The 11th stage of the 2008 Tour de France, a 167.5km journey from Lannemezan to Foix, began at 12.44pm. There were 168
riders in the race. The non-starter following the first rest day of the 95th edition was Moises Dueñas Nevado (BAR) was the
rider absent from sign on,
Dueñas was tested positive for epo after stage 4. There were three categorized climbs in the stage – the cat-3 Col de Larrieu (at 49.5km), the cat-1 Col de Portel (at
110km) and the Co del Bouich (at 145km). The two intermediate sprints were in Saint-Bertrand de Comminges (at 19.5km) and
in Prat-Bonrepaux (69km).
Into The Lead: 12-man Escape Group Forms
The first hour of the 11th stage was raced
at an extremely rapid pace. Although several riders gained a small advantage none was allowed any leeway until the 35km mark
when Wegmann and Arvesen started a move that was chased down by nine others. At the 39km mark, the peloton quit chasing down
every more and 13 riders found themselves in the lead. They were: Arvesen (CSC), Ballan (LAM), Botcharov and Fofonov (C.A),
Steegmans (QST), Elmiger (ALM), Wegmann (GST), Moerenhout and Velo (MRM), Vaugrenard (FDJ) and Moinard (COF), Pozzato (LIQ)
and Fedrigo (BTL). The yellow jersey answer nature’s call and by the 45km mark, it was 4’00” behind the
escapees. The average speed for the first hour was 47.5km/h.
Botcharov was the best-placed in GC of the escapees, starting
the stage ranked 35th, 20’47” behind Cadel Evans. At the top of the first climb, the peloton was 5’50”
behind ‘Bobo’ and his posse, Steegmans was dropped from the lead group and several counter-attackers were reeled
in by the bunch that was led by the Silence-Lotto team.
Longo Borghini (BAR) crashed, fractured his right collarbone and
abandoned the race.
Building Their Advantage
The 12 escapees were able to gain a significant advantage: 8’10”
at 60km, 8’50” at the site of the second intermediate sprint; 12’00” at 76km; 14’00” at
the feedzone (84.5km)… the average speed for the 2nd hour was 42.0km/h. At the base of the Col de Portel, the peloton
was 15’15” behind the 12 escapees. With 7.5km to climb, Moinard instigated an attack. The first surge from the
peloton came from Pereiro (GCE). With 5km to climb the peloton was 16’10” behind Moinard. Silence spread across
the road with 8km to go
Moinard Goes Solo
At the top of the Portel, Moinard had an advantage of 1’50”
on the 11 others. Pereiro was at 14’40” and the CSC-led peloton was at 16’30”. These gains diminished
and, by 20km to go, Moinard was just 50” ahead. Ballan attacked 16km from the finish, prompting all others to respond
and within moment Moinard was reeled in. Pereiro was caught by the peloton just after the third summit. Moinard was caught
by the 11 others with 8km to go.
Arvesen Earns CSC’s First Stage Win In 2008
Kurt-Asle Arvesen surged ahead
of the escapees with 4km to go; he was followed by Elmiger and later joined by Ballan, with 2km to go. This trio was caught
by Moerenhout after the ‘flamme rouge’. The Norwegian twisted the throttle and started his sprint about 200m before
the finish line. Once in the lead there was no looking back. He celebrated with a salute before the line but quickly grabbed
his handlebars again as Elmiger was coming up fast on his left side. Nonetheless it was a victory for the CSC rider and the
second this year by a Norwegian.
Cadel Evans finished in 27th place in the peloton, 14’51” behind Arvesen.
The Australian will wear the yellow jersey for stage 12.
