15 July,2011 07:53 AM IST | | AFP
Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez of Euskaltel claimed his maiden Tour de France stage victory on the 211km 12th stage from Cugnaux to Luz Ardiden yesterday.
Frenchman Thomas Voeckler, of Europcar, upset the formbook to retain the race leader's yellow jersey after the first of three consecutive days in the Pyrenees.
On the first high mountain stage of the race defending champion Alberto Contador lost over 10secs to his key rivals when he dropped off the pace late on the 13.3 km climb to the Pyreneean ski station.
Spaniard Sanchez came over the finish line ahead of Belgian Jelle Vanendert of Omega-Pharma after attacking his fellow breakaway companion in the final 500 metres.
Overall contender Frank Schleck, who had escaped from the yellow jersey's chase group earlier, finished third.
