Vasseur takes 10th stage overshadowed by Sinkewitz

MARSEILLE, France: Cedric Vasseur clinched the host country's first win in this year's Tour de France with victory on the 229.5-km 10th stage on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old Quick Step rider, who will retire at the end of the season, beat compatriot Sandy Casar to the line by the width of a wheel, with Swiss Michael Albasini of the Liquigas team coming home third.

The day started with the announcement by the German federation of Patrik Sinkewitz's positive test for elevated levels of testosterone during a training camp last month.

As a result, Germany's state broadcasters ARD and ZDF said they were halting their coverage of cycling's most prestigious race, which is watched by more than a million Germans, until the Sinkewitz case was resolved.

"This shows that the authorities are doing what it takes to fight against doping. It shows that we are on the right path," Sinkewitz teammate Linus Gerdemann told reporters shortly after crossing the finish line.

"I cannot judge but if the B sample returns a positive, it would be sad but also so stupid," added Gerdemann, who won the seventh stage.

"I cannot understand that one can act like this."

Dane Michael Rasmussen of the Rabobank team retained the overall Tour leader's yellow jersey after finishing in the bunch on Wednesday.

Vasseur was part of an 11-man breakaway that shaped up after some 60 km.

In scorching heat, the fugitives built a 10-minute lead over the peloton, led by Rasmussen's Rabobank team, and held on until the final sprint.

"I can now leave with my head high," Vasseur told reporters.

"Ten years ago, I wore the yellow jersey during five days. There are signs. I knew victory could not slip from my hands today."

The former US Postal and Cofidis rider now has two Tour stage victories to his name having first raised his arms in triumph in La Chatre in 1997.

Agencies

(China Daily 07/20/2007 page24)