Tearful Virenque claims Bastille Tour triumph
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.
The peloton was headed by Germany’s Andreas Kloden with Erik Zabel coming in third.
Virenque was in tears when he admitted: “To win on July 14 is wonderful. Today I won a stage for my team and I dedicate it to them.”
Virenque’s victory takes him closer to his aim of becoming the first seven-time winner of the polka-dot jersey for the best climber in the event.
Thomas Voeckler retains the yellow jersey after finishing the stage in fifth place, just ahead of Lance Armstrong.
Voeckler has a three minute lead over Stuart O’Grady and he is 4:13 in front of third-placed Sandy Casar.
Champion Armstrong is 9:35 behind Voeckler but well positioned to launch a bid for a record sixth consecutive title.
Today's 164-km stage takes the riders from Saint-Flour to Figeac.
Irishman Mark Scanlon endured a difficult day and eventually finished in 117th place, among a group of riders that were a full 25:25 behind the stage winner.
Scanlon's poor showing saw him drop further back in the overall standings, and the AG2R cyclist is now 90th overall, 31:31 behind race leader Voeckler.
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