Chavanel loses yellow, De Weert impressive in mountain stage
During the eight stage of this Tour the peloton headed into the big mountains for the first time. On schedule today were the Col de La Ramaz (1615 metres) and the final climb of first category to Morzine-Avoiraz (1800 metres). The stage started very chaotic with a massive crash, with Jerome Pineau involved too. Pineau, wearing the polka dot jersey, was hit at his elbow. After a short treatment he got back in the bunch.
After 30 kilometres a group of 7 riders attacked. The gain a maximum lead of 7 minutes, with Team Quick Step controlling the bunch behind them. On the way to La Ramaz the teams of the major contenders took over. Sylvain Chavanel tried to defend his jersey, but had to let go and lost 11 minutes. Kevin de Weert put down a great performance keeping up with the major contenders for a long time. He only lost 1 minute and 14 seconds at stage winner Andy Schleck, who beat Samuel Sanchez on the line. De Weert finished in a very nice 15th place.
Cadel Evans took over the yellow jersey from Sylvain Chavanel. Jerome Pineau kept his polka dot jersey as leader in the mountain classification. Tomorrow the peloton will enjoy a well deserved first rest day.
Result stage 8
1. Andy Schleck (Lux)
2. Samuel Sanchez (Esp)
3. Robert Gesink (Ned) 0.10
15. Kevin de Weert (Bel) 1.14
59. Carlos Barredo (Esp) 11.40
60. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra)
82. Jerome Pineau (Fra) 21.32
93. Jurgen van de Walle (Bel)
147. Kevin Seeldraeyers (Bel) 27.49
162. Maarten Wynants (Bel) 32.34
172. Dries Devenyns (Bel)
178. Francesco Reda (Ita)
Overall classification after stage 8
1. Cadel Evans (Aus)
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) 0.20
3. Alberto Contador (Esp) 1.01
27. Kevin de Weert (Bel) 7.58
32. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) 10.05
50. Carlos Barredo (Esp) 23.50
58. Jerome Pineau (Fra) 27.38
85. Jurgen van de Walle (Bel) 21.36
146. Maarten Wynants (Bel) 1:00.35
152. Kevin Seeldraeyers (Bel) 1:01.51
171. Francesco Reda (Ita) 1:14.14
179. Dries Devenyns (Bel) 1:21.50
Points classification after stage 8
1. Thor Hushovd (Noo) 118 points
2. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) 114
3. Robbie McEwen (Aus) 105
10. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) 69
55. Carlos Barredo (Esp) 15
64. Maarten Wynants (Bel) 12
77. Jurgen van de Walle (Bel) 10
85. Kevin de Weert (Bel) 5
115. Jerome Pineau (Fra) 2
148. Francesco Reda (Ita) 2
Mountain classification after stage 8
1. Jerome Pineau (Fra) 44 points
2. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) 36
3. Andy Schleck (Lux) 30
27. Jurgen van de Walle (Bel) 6
38. Carlos Barredo (Esp) 2
Youth classification after stage 8
1. Andy Schleck (Lux)
2. Roman Kreuziger (Tsj) 1.25
3. Robert Gesink (Ned) 2.17
28. Kevin Seeldraeyers (Bel) 1:01.31
Team classification after stage 8
1. Rabobank
2. Astana
3. Radioshack
14. Team Quick Step