The ninth and 160 kilometer long stage between Saint-Gaudens and Tarbes and the climb of the Col du Tourmalet proved to be a entertaining stage.
Team Saxo Bank’s German Jens Voigt and Pellizotti (Liquigas) and Fedrigo (Bbox) was in early breakaway. Behind them followed a nine-man group of pursuers with among others Paulinho (Astana) which soon captured Voigt as he wasn;t t keep the pace set by the other two escapee’s.
The pace of the main field was set by Team AG2R, on top of the Col du Tourmalet Pellizotti was the first man to pass and the duo was less than five minutes ahead of the field and three minutes in front of the next group.
The second group was eventually overtaken by the main peleton and then became a battle between the two riders in the front group versus Rabobank and Caisse d’Epargne.
With 15kms to go the two riders out front had a two minute lead to the two chasing teams. Within the 1km kite they had a 1 minute lead over the main field, even though Pellizotti looked strong Fedrigo (Bbox) out sprinted him for the stage victory. The bunch rolled in thirty-four seconds later with top contenders.
Cerv?lo TestTeam’s Thor Hushovd’s points jersey was not challenged, so he remains in green.
AGR2R rider Rinaldo Nocentini still holds the yellow jersey, 0.6" infront of Contador and 0.8" seconds infront of Armstrong.
General Classification after Stage 9:
1st Rinaldo Nocentini 34.24.21 39.62 km/h
2nd Alberto Contador +0.06
3rd Lance Armstrong +0.08
With the Pyr?n?es behind them, the pack enjoys the first of two rest days Monday.
