Updated on
Summary Belgian Jelle Vanendert claimed his first major stage win as he triumphed in stage 14.
Vanendert took advantage of the waiting game by the main contenders to snatch victory in the 168.5-km 14th stage of the Tour de France.He parted from the leading group with 7 km to go and crossed the line on his own at the top of Plateau de Beille, avenging his second place in Luz-Ardiden two days earlier.Spains Samuel Sanchez, who had beaten Vanendert in the 12th stage, finished 21 seconds behind.Luxembourgs Andy Schleck sprinted to the line in the final stretch to take third place, 46 seconds off the pace, but only two seconds ahead of the other big names who finished together.Frenchman Thomas Voeckler also seized his chance to retain the overall leaders yellow jersey, unexpectedly putting in as strong a showing in the final climb as the pre-Tour favourites.
