Germany's Andre Greipel celebrates at the finish line as he wins the 158-km 10th stage of the Tour de France between Aurillac and Carmaux, southwestern France, on Tuesday. Lionel Bonaventure / Agence France-Presse

German claims stage and a breakthrough victory over foe

CARMAUX, France - Andre Greipel admitted he is hoping for more of the same on the Tour de France after finally upstaging British rival Mark Cavendish to claim his maiden win in the race.

Cavendish cemented his status as the fastest man in the world last week when he added two stages to his four-year account to take his tally to an impressive 17.

However the Isle of Man sprinter got a taste of humble pie on Tuesday's 158-km stage from Aurillac to Carmaux.

Motivated after visiting Jurgen van den Broeck in hospital following his team leader's race-ending crash on stage nine, Greipel was boosted when Cavendish was deprived of his formidable sprint train.

It came down to a furious dash for the line and Greipel - who even had time for a quick sideways glance at his Isle of Man rival as he reached top speed - didn't let the opportunity slip.

"Today I managed to get on his wheel and it was one of the greatest moments since I started racing my bike," said Greipel.

Winning a first Tour de France stage was doubly rewarding for the German.

He used to race alongside Cavendish in the Highroad team which, over the years, has had various sponsors from Columbia to current backer HTC.

But having two powerful sprinters in the same team caused a dilemma which, after years of friction, ultimately led to Highroad backing Cavendish.

Despite not finishing his first Tour de France in 2007 Cavendish has gone on to win 17 stages in his past four participations.

Kept off the race, Greipel is making his debut after deciding to start afresh with Omega-Pharma, whom he joined at the end of last season, paving the way for his maiden participation on the Tour.

To win a stage on your first Tour de France is no mean feat, especially against a formidable rival whose brash, arrogant style has been known to destabilize older rivals.

When Mario Cipollini made his comeback at the Tour of California in 2008, Cavendish mocked the storied Italian veteran during the time trial by pedalling past him with one leg.

Greipel admits the Manxman hasn't always been tender with him either.

"He wasn't always really friendly with his comments to me, but I won't go down to his level," said Greipel.

"All I do is try to show what I'm able to do on the bike."

Claiming he made a mistake by not launching his final 'kick' as hard as he could have in the home straight, Cavendish was ultimately gracious in defeat.

"I feel I made a mistake but Greipel beat me so there's not much I can say," said Cavendish, who pushed Greipel into third place on his win in Chateauroux.

"We had a chat after the Chateauroux stage, and he said 'big respect' for your sprint," said the German.

"I tried to surprise him that day, but in the last 50 meters I didn't have the legs."

While relations appear on the up, there are three sprint stages remaining and Greipel wants his share.

"He has shown that he's one of the fastest sprinters on earth, maybe he is," said Greipel.

"Maybe I'm really too nice. When I step off my bike I'm a nice guy, and I've had to learn to be a bit more aggressive on my bike. We have a lot of objectives in the coming stages and we're going to go for them. I'm feeling confident."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 07/14/2011 page23)