KIRCHEN GIVES UP YELLOW JERSEY ON HAUTACAM

“He is still in contention” says Team Columbia Director

After 4 days riding as the race leader of the Tour de France, Team Columbia’s Kim Kirchen today gave up the yellow jersey on a difficult stage ending on the storied Hautacam.

Kirchen finished the stage in 15th place, 4:19 after the winner, Leonardo Piepoli of Saunier Duval. Cadel Evans of the Silence Lotto team becomes the fifth rider in this Tour de France to pull on the Yellow Jersey. He leads Frank Schleck of Team CSC by :01 second. Kirchen drops back to 7th in the General Classification, one minute and 56 seconds behind Evans.
“Kim really showed his fighting spirit today,” said Columbia’s Team Director Rolf Aldag. “He is not a fan of the Pyrenees but he got through in pretty good position and now we can look forward to the Alps which suit him much better.”
“He lost the jersey today but he is still in contention,” he added. “We are very happy with what the team has achieved in the first half of the Tour and we will continue with our plan to fight for the General Classification.”
It was a very difficult stage with two “hors category” climbs—the Tourmalet and the finish on the Hautacam. The main field of riders was still coming across the finish line during the podium ceremony, a full 27 minutes after the Piepoli crossed.

Tuesday is a much deserved rest day in the Tour de France. There are still nearly 2 weeks of racing left in the Tour.