Sport

Stage 16 success for Rasmussen

12 April 2012

Yellow jersey holder Michael Rasmussen brought a thrilling end to a controversial day in the Tour de France by winning stage 16 from Orthez to Col d'Aubisque.

The Rabobank rider claimed glory on the demanding Pyrenees mountain-top finish, widely regarded as the toughest stage of this year's Tour, 26 seconds ahead of fellow yellow jersey contender Levi Leipheimer and 35 seconds clear of Alberto Contador as they fought out a gruelling three-way battle for stage success.

Rasmussen's triumph all but secured overall victory in this year's Tour as he extended his lead to three minutes and 10 seconds over second-placed rival Contador.

The day had started with a stern 20-minute protest from a group of riders frustrated at the sport's recent doping scandals surrounding Alexandre Vinokourov and Rasmussen, who was also booed by the vast majority of supporters at the start line.

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