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What was supposed to be just a humdrum transitional stage 16 of the 2011 Tour de France was turned on its ear by the aggression Alberto Contador – and as a result Cadel Evans has raced into tour favouritism.
On a wet, miserable day, it took over 100km before the expected breakaway group was able to get away and contest the stage win.
Of the 10 in the escape group, only the two Norsemen, Thor Hushovd and Edvald Boasson Hagen, were able to keep up with Ryder Hesjedal on the Category 2 climb up the Col de Manse.
The three of them survived the 11.5km descent to Gap and the finish turned to be a case of the master versus the apprentice.
Hesjedal deferred to his stronger team mate Hushovd as he led the trio to the finish.
Hushovd, expertly exploited Hagen’s momentary lapse of concentration and cruised to an easy sprint win over his protégé to record his second stage win of the tour.
What was not expected was the damage Alberto Contador inflicted on the Schlecks on the Col de Manse. With 7kms to go on the climb Contador launched a sudden attack that took most of his rivals by surprise.
Cadel Evans , well placed by his BMC team at the head of the peloton, was able to counter Contador’s attack.
But, just as the rest of the field managed to get themselves together on the climb, Contador attacked again.
This time it was decisive.
Only Evans and Samuel Sanchez were able to go with him. The Schleck brothers, yellow jersey holder Voeckler, Ivan Basso and Damiano Cunego were left in his wake and scrambling to limit the losses.
Evans’ reward for sticking with Contador was the opportunity to increase the time gaps on the descent to the finish. He attacked the treacherous descent with bravery and gusto.
He even got away from Contador, who was struggling to keep up. Contador, though, was able to limit the losses to only 3 second by working in tandem with Sanchez in the flat run to finish.
However, the real damage was done behind them.
Voeckler retained his yellow jersey. He led the chase and came in 21 seconds behinds Evans. He now leads him by 1 minute and 45 seconds.
Frank Schleck also finished 21 seconds behind Evans, but as a result, lost second place in the overall standing.
Of the other GC contenders Cunego lost 21 seconds, Basso 54 seconds and most importantly Andy Schleck finished over a minute behind Evans and Contador.
In the end, it was an inspired move by Contador. He sensed the Schlecks had chinks in their armour after they failed to dominate Voeckler in the Pyrenees.
He has raced himself back into contention and looks a serious threat heading into the Alps. The Schlecks are in disarray and next he will to turn his attention on making time on Evans.
Tonight’s stage 17 from Gap to Pinerolo does have a Category 1 climb, but the real interest will be in the final Category 2 climb and the 8km descent to the finish. It could present yet another opportunity for Evans and a reinvigorated Contador to attack the Schlecks.
Tour de France Stage 16 Results
Rider Team Time Gaps
1. HUSHOVD Thor TEAM GARMIN – CERVELO 3h 31′ 38″
2. HAGEN Edvald Boasson SKY PROCYCLING 3h 31′ 38″ + 00′ 00″
3. HESJEDAL Ryder TEAM GARMIN – CERVELO 3h 31′ 40″ + 00′ 02″
4. MARTIN Tony HTC – HIGHROAD 3h 32′ 16″ + 00′ 38″
5. IGNATYEV Mikhail KATUSHA TEAM 3h 32′ 30″ + 00′ 52″
11. EVANS Cadel BMC RACING TEAM 3h 36′ 01″ + 04′ 23″
12. CONTADOR Alberto SAXO BANK SUNGARD 3h 36′ 04″ + 04′ 26″
13. SANCHEZ Samuel EUSKALTEL – EUSKADI 3h 36′ 04″ + 04′ 26″
18. VOECKLER Thomas TEAM EUROPCAR 3h 36′ 22″ + 04′ 44″
22. SCHLECK Frank 18 TEAM LEOPARD-TREK 3h 36′ 22″ + 04′ 44
23. CUNEGO Damiano 161 LAMPRE – ISD 3h 36′ 22″ + 04′ 44″
30. BASSO Ivan 91 LIQUIGAS-CANNONDALE 3h 36′ 55″ + 05′ 17″
36. SCHLECK Andy 11 TEAM LEOPARD-TREK 3h 37′ 10″ + 05′ 32″
Tour de France Overall Standings
Rider Team Time Gaps
1. VOECKLER Thomas TEAM EUROPCAR 69h 00′ 56″
2. EVANS Cadel BMC RACING TEAM 69h 02′ 41″ + 01′ 45″
3. SCHLECK Frank TEAM LEOPARD-TREK 69h 02′ 45″ + 01′ 49″
4. SCHLECK Andy TEAM LEOPARD-TREK 69h 03′ 59″ + 03′ 03″
5. SANCHEZ Samuel EUSKALTEL – EUSKADI 69h 04′ 22″ + 03′ 26″
6. CONTADOR Alberto SAXO BANK SUNGARD 69h 04′ 38″ + 03′ 42″
7. BASSO Ivan LIQUIGAS-CANNONDALE 69h 04′ 45″ + 03′ 49″
8. CUNEGO Damiano LAMPRE – ISD 69h 04′ 57″ + 04′ 01″
9. DANIELSON Tom TEAM GARMIN – CERVELO 69h 07′ 00″ + 06′ 04″
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