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On Crash-Filled Day, Voeckler Takes Tour Lead

Sanchez wins ninth stage, moves into second overall

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 10, 2011 2:14 PM CDT

(Newser) – Spain's Luis Leon Sanchez won the Tour de France’s ninth stage today, as France's Thomas Voeckler came in second, allowing him to take the lead overall. Sanchez, who moved into second place overall, said “it was really a hard stage today,” and the AP notes the day was full of crashes. One veteran rider withdrew after crashing near the halfway point with about 30 other riders, while a rider from Spain was hit by a car and took another cyclist down with him as he fell. Both continued riding. All in all, seven riders abandoned the Tour, including three who suffered broken bones, the Telegraph adds.

Voeckler took the yellow leader’s jersey from Thor Hushovd. Australia's Cadel Evans is now in third place overall. Defending champ Alberto Contador fell early in the stage but continued unharmed.

Thomas Voeckler of France, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, celebrates on the podium of the 9th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, Sunday July 10, 2011.
Thomas Voeckler of France, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, celebrates on the podium of the 9th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, Sunday July 10, 2011.   (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)
Luis-Leon Sanchez of Spain celebrates on the podium of the 9th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, Sunday July 10, 2011.
Luis-Leon Sanchez of Spain celebrates on the podium of the 9th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, Sunday July 10, 2011.   (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)
Three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador of Spain holds his injured knee after he crashed during the 9th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, Sunday July 10, 2011.
Three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador of Spain holds his injured knee after he crashed during the 9th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, Sunday July 10, 2011.   (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Netherland's Johnny Hoogerland, is stuck in a barbed-wire fence after he crashed at the side of the road during the ninth stage of the 2011 Tour de France cycling race on July 10, 2011.
Netherland's Johnny Hoogerland, is stuck in a barbed-wire fence after he crashed at the side of the road during the ninth stage of the 2011 Tour de France cycling race on July 10, 2011.   (Getty Images)
Alexande Vinokourov of Kazakhstan, second right, is helped by his teammates after crashing during the 9th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, Sunday July 10, 2011.
Alexande Vinokourov of Kazakhstan, second right, is helped by his teammates after crashing during the 9th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, Sunday July 10, 2011.   (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
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cycling • Tour de France • Alberto Contador

 
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