Australian Team BMC rider, Cadel Evans has taken the yellow jersey from Chavanel after stage 8. Despite being involved in an early crash, Cadel placed himself far enough forward to stay in contact with the break away group and major ‘race leader’ challengers .
RadioShack rider, Lance Armstrong was involved in a crash with his teammates before the Col de la Ramaz, the first of two Category 1 climbs and though he rejoined the peloton. This seemed to take a noticeable toll on his performance and ability to keep up, likewise for yellow jersey holder Sylvian Chavanel of Team Quick Step. Armstrong was slowed again after a fall of two Euskatel riders in front on him. Team Astana took control of the pace for the lead group with Alberto Contador looking to move into yellow and contest the stage win.
Towards the final kilomtres on the climb through the Morzine to Avoriaz, Astana rider Daniel Navarro tried to escape a few times, with Contador in tow however Ivan Basso, Cadel Evans and Andy Schleck were quick to react, though noticeably tired.
Shortly before the finish of the 189km stage, Samuel Sanchez (Team Euskatel) and Andy Schleck (Team Saxobank) made a late break away and together contested the stage victory. Andy Schleck had more power in the final metres and won the stage.
The riders reached the finish in dribs and drabs, Lance Armstrongs group was about 12 minutes behind the stage winner and severly impacts upon his chances for a podium.
Andy Schlecks win and gap over Alberto Contador puts him in second place, 20 seconds behind the new yellow jersey holder Cadel Evans. Alberto Contador is in third, one minute behind Evans.
Monday is a rest day and the Tour de France resumes on Tuesday with a mountainous stage 9 from Morzine Avoriaz, 204,5 kilometres to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
