THE VIKING GOD OF THUNDER WINS STAGE 13 OF THE TOUR

By Debbie Bulloch



Call it the Miracle at Lourdes! World champion Thor Hushovd, the Viking God of Thunder, took his ninth Tour stage victory when he rode alone into Lourdes after an epic 30 km pursuit of plucky French rider Jérémy Roy. The Norwegian rider, who is not known for his climbing ability, had been dropped by the Frenchman on the ascent of the Col d’Aubisque, and was two minutes behind going over the summit, but steadily chipped away at Roy’s advantage.

Hushovd caught David Moncoutié, who had been second over the Aubisque, on the drop from the Col du Soulor, and the pair set about chasing down Roy. At 15km to go, the two chasers had cut Roy’s lead to just 31 seconds.

With little less than 3,000 meters to go before the finish line, Hushovd pedaled away from Moncoutié and was soon up to Roy. The big Norwegian kept on hammering away, jumping past Roy and going on to win the stage.

Roy came in on third place just 26 seconds behind Hushovd and 16 seconds behind second place finisher Moncoutié. Roy, however won the polka dot King of the Mountain (KOM) jersey for his phenomenal attack on the Col d’Aubisque.



THE VIKING GOD OF THUNDER ENJOYS HIS VICTORY

There was no change in the overall standings, with Thomas Voeckler finishing towards the front of the peloton to hold the yellow jersey for another day.




MAP OF STAGE 13 OF THE TdF





PROFILE OF STAGE 13 OF THE TdF

Not a bad day for the European riders: a stage victory for Thor, French rider Voeckler defending his maillot jaune for one more day and fellow compatriot Roy earning the polka dot jersey. Mark Cavendish, the Manx-missile (he is from the Isle of Man, located right smack in the middle of England, Ireland and Scotland) retained his maillot verts (green jersey)

Quick Results

Stage 13:

1. Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo) in 3 hours, 47 minutes, 36 seconds
2. David Moncouti (Cofidis) at 00.10
3. Jeremy Roy (FdJ) at 00.26

General Classification:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, in 55h 49′ 57″
2. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:49
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 02:06
4. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:17
5. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:16


Congratulation to ALL riders for yet another epic effort riding up the mountains of the Pyrenees.

Finally, the answer to yesterday’s quiz question: What BEATLES' song opens with the starting notes from "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem.

The answer: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Take a listen!

BEATLES - ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE