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Gerdemann Leads Tour After 7th

German rider grabs yellow jersey after convincing win

By Max Brallier, Newser User

Posted Jul 14, 2007 5:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – Linus Gerdemann, riding in his first Tour de France, won the 7th stage today, giving him the overall lead. The 24 year old, a member of Germany's T-Mobile team, holds a 1 minute 24 second lead over second place heading into tomorrow's stage 8, a grueling trek through the Alps.

Gerdemann won the day with a dual-attack strategy, spending much of the race in a pack of 15 and then, at two separate, ultra-steep climbs, kicking into overdrive and riding away from his opponents. It's a big moment for German cycling, which has been hit hard with serial doping controversies in the past year.

Stage winner Linus Gerdemann of Germany kisses his overall leader's yellow jersey on the podium of the 7th stage of the 94th Tour de France cycling race between Bourg en Bresse and Le Grand Bornand, French... (Associated Press)

Stage winner Linus Gerdemann of Germany blows a kiss on the podium of the 7th stage of the 94th Tour de France cycling race between Bourg en Bresse and Le Grand Bornand, French Alps, Saturday, July 14,... (Associated Press)

Fabian Wegmann of Germany strains as he pedals in the ascent of the Colombiere pass during the 7th stage of the 94th Tour de France cycling race between Bourg-en-Bresse and Le Grand Bornand, French Alps,... (Associated Press)

Linus Gerdemann of Germany pedals in the ascent of the Colombiere pass during the 7th stage of the 94th Tour de France cycling race between Bourg-en-Bresse and Le Grand Bornand, French Alps, Saturday,... (Associated Press)

Linus Gerdemann of Germany reacts as he crosses the finish line to win the 7th stage of the 94th Tour de France cycling race between Bourg en Bresse and Le Grand Bornand, French Alps, Saturday, July... (Associated Press)

A spectator encourages Linus Gerdemann of Germany as he pedals in the ascent of the Colombiere pass during the 7th stage of the 94th Tour de France cycling race between Bourg-en-Bresse and Le Grand Bornand,... (Associated Press)

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Gerdemann Leads Tour After 7th

German rider grabs yellow jersey after convincing win

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