McEwen steals through to rob stage by a whisker

ROBBIE McEWEN claimed the ninth stage of the Tour de France by a whisker in the closest finish of the Tour so far.

The Australian, riding for Lotto-Domo, won his second stage by less than half a wheel from two of his main rivals for the green jersey, Norwegian Thor Hushovd and fellow Australian Stuart O'Grady.

The trio were part of the peloton that caught breakaway riders Filippo Simeoni and Inigo Landaluze 100 metres from home.