Columbia's Kim Kirchen Retains Yellow Jersey as the Tour hits the Mountains

Pau, France, 13 July 2008 - The first day in the mountains ended well for Team Columbia with Kim Kirchen finishing safely in the bunch and retaining the overall race lead for another day.
After a week of relatively flat stages, stage nine is a turning point in the race signifying the move into the mountains and the first real test for the climbers.

Covering 228km and traversing two first category climbs including Col de Peyresourde and Col d’Aspin, the stage saw many climbers try their luck at breakaways and finished with Saunier Duval rider Riccardo Riccò finishing solo 1’17” seconds ahead of the field.

“Today was a key stage for the tour as it’s the first time the race hits the long climbs,” said Team Director Rolf Aldag. “We’re happy with the way the race went for us and that Kim was able to hold on to the yellow jersey.”

“Tomorrow will also be a hard day as we head further into the Pyrenees and over Col du Tourmalet and Hautacam. It is probably one of the toughest days of the Tour.”