Greig Leach

Sylvain Chavanel (Direct Energie) racing a record 18th Tour de France was feeling the love from the French crowds along the road today. Chavanel was the lone survivor of an early three man break away. The one dropped of after the first and only climb of the day, with the other suffering with knee pain after hitting it on the handle bars sprinting for the KOM points. With another 80 kilometers left to the end of the stage, it is unlikely he will stay away for the stage, but he has pulled it off before. Chavanel was awarded with the Most Combative rider prize for his continuing efforts. Tomorrow he will be sporting a red bib number as a marker of today's effort. Some consulation for not winning the day.