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
Tour de France: On Crash-Filled Day, Sanchez Wins Ninth Stage as Voeckler Moves Into Overall Lead
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)

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. (More Tour de France stories.)

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