Belgian grabs yellow

Jan Bakelants’ first victory as a professional was one to savour as the Belgian found himself the surprise leader of the 100th Tour de France last night.

The 27-year-old was the last survivor of a six-man group who broke away with less than seven kilometres of the 156km stage from Bastia remaining.

As the peloton swallowed up five of his accomplices, Bakelants kicked again with less than two kilometres left and then stretched every sinew down the final straight as a peloton led by Peter Sagan pedalled furiously but finished one second off the pace.