Tearful Virenque claims Bastille Tour triumph

RICHARD VIRENQUE claimed the 10th stage of the Tour de France yesterday to become the first Frenchman to win on Bastille Day since 2001.

On the longest stage of this year’s Tour, Virenque, riding for the Quick Step Davitamon team, led after taking the lead 202 kilometres from home.

And as opposed to recent days, there was no sprint finish as Virenque rode into Saint-Flour approximately five minutes ahead of his rivals.