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12:10:22 - Welcome To The Live Coverage Of Stage 13

The 13th stage of the 2009 Tour de France is scheduled to begin at 12.15pm. The conditions are significantly cooler than yesterday with temperatures in the low 20s (Celsius). It is overcast at the finish in Colmar and in Vittel - where the stage begins - it is raining.

There is a brief neutral zone before the peloton arrives at the site of the official start.

Live coverage of the 200km stage will commence shortly on LeTour.fr.

12:13:24 - Leipheimer Abandons Le Tour 2009

The big news at the start of the 13th stage is the retirement of the rider ranked fourth overall after 12 stages. Levi Leipheimer (AST) crashed in the final three kilometers of the stage to Vittel and although he finished the stage, and appeared to be unharmed, x-rays this morning revealed a fracture of the scaphoid bone and he will not be at the start today.

12:14:58 - Wrolich Also Out Of The Race

Peter Wrolich (MRM), one of the two Austrian riders in the 96th edition of the Tour, was also absent from the sign on. There are now 164 riders in the peloton.

12:17:23 - Peloton In Neutral Zone

The 13th stage is expected to begin at around 12.25pm. The peloton is currently riding through the short neutral zone in Vittel.

12:22:39 - Five Climbs On Today's Menu

The 200km journey from Vittel to Colmar features five categorized climbs, two of which are over 1,000m in altitude. Points for the polka-dot jersey will be awarded at the cat-3 cote de Xertigny (46km), the cat-2 col de la Schlucht (105km), the cat-1 col du Platzerwasel (138.5km), the cat 3 col du Bannstein (165.5km) and col du Firstplan (179.5km).

12:23:23 - Prize Classification Review: Part 01 – Yellow Jersey

There has been one significant change to the top order of the general classification after the 12th stage: Levi Leipheimer (AST) crashed inside the final 3km of the stage to Vittel, finished the stage and had retained his fourth place position in the overall rankings but… he will not start stage 13.

After a night spent recuperating he woke with pain in his wrist and subsequently visited the hospital in Vittel for x-rays. A fracture of his scaphoid was discovered and the American who finished third overall in the 2007 Tour de France has been forced to abandon the race.

Otherwise there was little change to the rankings. Nocentini (ALM) continues to lead the Tour with a six-second advantage on Contador (AST) while Armstrong (AST) is third at eight seconds. Wiggins (GRM) is now ranked fourth in the general classification, 46” behind Nocentini.

12:23:55 - Racing In Stage 13

The official start of the 13th stage was at 12.27pm. There are 164 riders still in the peloton after the retirement of both Levi Leipheimer (AST) and Peter Wrolich (MRM).

12:28:40 - Sponsor Extends Contract With Tour

With the Tour’s visit to Vittel for the end of stage 12 and the start today, the Nestlé Waters group and ASO (the company responsible for the Tour de France) announced earlier today that they have renewed their sponsorship for the next four editions of the race. This agreement provides Nestlé – a major partner of the Tour – exclusive rights and benefits to various publications and promotional opportunities in beverages and sports nutrition. Aside from the water ‘Vittel’, there are several other brands that will receive exposure during the Tour including Nesquick, Ricoré, and PowerBar.

12:29:50 - Prize Classification Review: Part 02 – Polka-Dot Jersey

Franco Pellizotti (LIQ) added 15 points to his tally in the climbers’ classification. The Italian who finished third overall in this year’s Giro d’Italia is now ranked second in the race for the polka-dot jersey which will be worn by Egoi Martinez (EUS) for a fourth successive day. Two former leaders of this category – Christophe Kern (COF) and Brice Feillu (AGR) are ranked third and fourth, respectively.

12:30:40 - Prize Classification Review: Part 03 – Green Jersey

By leading the peloton to the finish in stage 12, Mark Cavendish (THR) increased his lead on Thor Hushovd (CTT) in the points classification. The quadruple stage winner from this year’s Tour has 200 points, 10 more than the 2005 green jersey winner. Jose Joaquim Rojas (GCE) is ranked third with 116pts. Tyler Farrar (GRM) is fourth with 110pts. The under-23 road race world from 2006, Gerald Ciolek (MRM) is ranked fifth with 100pts.

12:31:58 - Peloton At 2nd Kilometer

The bunch has arrived at the second kilometer and two men are attempting to forge an escape group on the outskirts of Vittel.

12:32:33 - Prize Classification Review: Part 04 – White Jersey

There has been no change to the top order of the youth classification since stage seven to Arcalis when Brice Feillu (AGR) moved into fifth in the category open to riders born after 1 January 1984. Tony Martin has been in the white jersey since the third stage. He still have a 49” over last year’s winner Andy Schleck (SAX). The Liquigas pair Vicenzo Nibali and Roman Kreuziger are third and fourth, respectively.

12:32:51 - Prize Classification Review: Part 05 – Team Rankings

The Saxo Bank squad will wear yellow race numbers today as it is now in command of the teams classification. It overtook AG2R yesterday thanks largely to the efforts of stage winner Nicki Sorensen. The Danish formation now has a 34 second advantage over former leaders AG2R La Mondiale. In third is the Astana team which is 37 seconds.

12:33:21 - Two Lead A Group Of Counter-Attackers...

There are two men - Moreau (AGR) and Haussler (CTT) - in the lead of the 13th stage. They have a slight advantage on a group of five that includes Voigt (SAX), Garate (RAB), Perez Moreno (EUS), Uran (GCE) and Chavanel (QST).

12:35:22 - Seven Lead By 10"

The counter-attack has caught the two who escaped at the 3rd kilometer. There are now seven men in the lead of the stage.

12:35:55 - Seven Lead By 12"

Haussler (CTT), Voigt (SAX), Garate (RAB), Perez Moreno (EUS), Uran (GCE), Chavanel (QST) and Moreau (AGR) are now 12" ahead of the peloton. The move was instigated by Moreau. They are now at the eight kilometer mark.

12:37:17 - Three Intermediate Sprint

The intermediate sprints in stage 13 are in Xertigny (43.5km), Gerardmer (88.5km) and Luttenbach (124km).

12:39:32 - Lead Up To 25"

The Moreau group of seven is now 25" ahead of the peloton.

12:39:55 - Peloton 30" Behind At 13km

Moreau, Haussler, Voigt, Garate, Perez Moreno, Uran and Chavanel now lead by 30" with the peloton at the 13km mark. Liquigas and Lampre riders are at the front of the bunch.

12:42:18 - Seven 45" Ahead

With the peloton at the 15.5km mark, the Moreau group of seven is 45" ahead.

12:46:45 - Youngest Rider In Lead Group

Rigoberto Uran (GCE) is the youngest rider in the 2009 Tour. He is part of the seven-man escape group that is now 50" ahead of the peloton. Liquigas, Lampre, Katusha and Cofidis are the teams at the front of the bunch.

12:51:23 - Garate Best Placed Of Escape Group

Of the seven in the lead of the stage (currently 45" ahead), the best on the general classification after 12 stage is Juan Manuel Garate (RAB). He began the stage ranked 33rd overall, 6'56" behind Nocentini.

12:55:21 - Reminder Of Who Is In The Escape

The escape was instigated by Moreau at the third kilometer. The seven men in the lead are:

- Heinrich Haussler (GER) CTT - 105th overall, at 55'24"

- Jens Voigt (GER) SAX - 57th overall, at 23'02"

- Juan Manuel Garate (ESP) RAB - 33rd overall, at 6'56"

- Ruben Perez Moreno (ESP) EUS - 102nd overall, at 52'49"

- Rigoberto Uran (COL) GCE - 52nd overall, at 17'07"

- Sylvain Chavanel (FRA) QST - 45th overall, at 12'00"

- Christophe Moreau (FRA) AGR - 62nd overall, at 27'58"

12:58:29 - Silence Also At Front

The escapees are just 40" ahead of the bunch at the 26km mark. The teams working in the chase have been Liquigas, Lampre, Cofidis, Katusha and now Silence-Lotto has sent a few troops forward.

13:00:16 - The Nations Represented...

With 164 riders now in the race, here is a summary of the countries which are represented.

39 – France: originally 41 but Sebastien Joly (FDJ) quit during stage seven and David Le Lay (AGR) abandoned during stage eight.

25 – Spain: originally 28 but Oscar Pereiro (GCE) and Eduardo Gonzalo Ramirez (AGR) both abandoned during stage eight and Koldo Fernandez (EUS) finished outside the time limit in stage eight.

15 – Germany

14 – Italy: originally 15 but Daniel Napolitano (KAT) finished outside the time limit in stage eight.

10 – Belgium: originally 11, but Jurgen van de Waelle (QSI) abandoned after breaking a collarbone in a crash in stage two.

9 – Netherlands: originally 11 but Piet Rooijakkers abandoned after a crash in stage four and Robert Gesink fractured a bone in his left arm in a fall in stage five.

8 – Russia

6 – Australia & USA: originally, there were seven Americans but Levi Leipheimer could not start stage 13 because of a broken scaphoid, sustained in a crash at the end of stage 12.

4 – Great Britain

3 – Denmark, Luxembourg and Switzerland

2 –Belorussia, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand and Ukraine

1 – Canada, Finland, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Norway and Portugal.

There were two Norwegians but Arvesen (SAX) abandoned after breaking a collarbone in stage 10.

Portugal started with two riders but Faria da Costa (GCE) abandoned after stage 11 with torn ligaments in his shoulder.

Austria started with two riders but Peter Wrolich (MRM) did not start stage 13.

13:02:48 - Three Former Stage Winners In Escape

Of the seven men in the lead of the 13th stage, three have previously won a stage of the Tour de France. Jens Voigt (SAX) won in Montélimar in 2006 and in Sarran in 2001. Sylvain Chavanel (QST) won in Montlucon in stage 18 last year. And Christophe Moreau won the prologue of the 2001 edition in Dunkirk.

13:08:09 - Raining On The Race...

Rain is falling at the moment and the peloton is keeping the escapees honest. They have been on the attack for 30km but haven't been able to gain more than 50" on the peloton.

13:09:08 - Voigt's History In The Region...

Jens Voigt has worn the yellow jersey in two editions of the Tour de France. The first time was for a day in 2001 when he took the lead of the general classification in stage eight, after finishing second (behind Laurent Jalabert) in Colmar. The next day he lost the lead to his Crédit Agricole team-mate Stuart O’Grady after the Australian was part of The Escape of the 2001 edition: when the peloton finished 35 minutes behind a group of 13 riders.

In 2005, when the ninth stage was from Gérardmer to Mulhouse, he finished third behind Rasmussen and Moreau and took the yellow jersey. At the end of the stage he told reporters: “Well, I know I can defend the lead for at least one day…” as the following day was a ‘repos’.

Voigt is currently in the escape of stage 13 this year… along with Moreau.

13:17:17 - Leaders Not Being Given Any Leeway

The advantage of the seven escapees has not grown. They are still just 40" ahead of the peloton.

13:18:57 - Lead Dropping

With the peloton at the 42km mark, the advantage of the escapees has dropped to 35".

13:20:01 - Leaders Approaching Site Of Intermediate Sprint

Moreau, Haussler, Voigt, Garate, Perez Moreno, Uran and Chavanel are about to contest the sprint for points in Xertigny (43.5km).

13:21:32 - Result Of First Intermediate Sprint

The seven leaders are 38" ahead of the peloton in Xertigny (43.5km). The points for this intermediate sprint were won by:

1. Christophe Moreau (AGR) 6pts

2. Heinrich Haussler (CTT) 4pts

3. Sylvain Chavanel (QST) 2pts

13:23:17 - Details Of Cote de Xertigny

The first climb of the stage is 2km long with an average gradient of 5.3km. The leaders are 1km away from the line which is at an altitude of 588m. They are 25" ahead of the peloton.

13:24:59 - Vansummeren & Niermann Puncture

Two riders have punctured at the foot of the first climb: Grischa Niermann (RAB) and Johan Vansummeren (SIL) have been tended to by their respective team cars and are now chasing the peloton on the Xertigny climb.

13:26:05 - Peloton At 17"

At the base of the first climb the peloton was just 17" behind the group of seven escapees.

13:26:25 - Result Of First Climb

The points for the first climb of stage 13 were won by:

1. Juan Manuel Garate (RAB) 4pts

2. Ruben Perez Moreno (EUS) 3pts

3. Sylvain Chavanel (QST) 2pts

4. Christophe Moreau (AGR) 1pt

They were 15" ahead of the peloton at the 46km mark.

13:27:50 - Fast Start To Stage 13

The average speed for the opening hour today is 47.5km/h.

13:28:44 - Lead Grows Again

After getting as close to 15" to the escapees, the advantage of the escapees have blown out to 30".

13:30:34 - Millar Chasing

Millar is 20" behind the stage leaders and attempting to bridge the gap. The peloton is a further 10" behind at the 49km mark.

13:31:11 - Millar Caught

Millar has been caught by the peloton at the 50.5km mark. The peloton is now 20" behind Moreau, Haussler, Voigt, Garate, Perez Moreno, Uran and Chavanel.

13:33:20 - Peloton Refuses To Let Seven Gain Time

The latest check has the seven leaders just 22" ahead. The maximum gain so far from the move that started at the 3km mark, is 50" (at 18km). The bunch is now around the 53km mark.

13:37:19 - Several Riders Try To Bridge To Leaders

The advantage remains 22" at the 56km mark. There are a number of riders attacking the peloton but no counter-attackers have yet been able to bridge the gap to Moreau, Haussler, Voigt, Garate, Perez Moreno, Uran and Chavanel.

13:39:41 - Three Go Ahead...

Haussler (CTT), Chavanel (QST), Perez Moreno (EUS) are now seven seconds ahead of the remnants of the original escape. The peloton is at 27".

13:40:56 - New Situation On The Road

Haussler, Perez Moreno and Chavanel are now 18" ahead of Moreau, Voigt, Garate and Uran. The peloton is at 40".

13:43:46 - Three Lead By 1'00"

Four of the original escape group were caught at the 62km mark. The 13th stage is now being led by three men: Haussler, Perez Moreno and Chavanel. They are 1'00" ahead of the peloton.

13:48:27 - How The Escape Formed...

At the third kilometer, Moreau (AGR) attacked the peloton. He was joined in the lead by Haussler (CTT) and they were able to put some distance into the peloton. A counter-attacking group of five: Voigt (SAX), Garate (RAB), Perez Moreno (EUS), Uran (GCE) and Chavanel (QST). At 18km, they reached a gain of 50”; this was the maximum before the peloton – led by Liquigas, Lampre and Cofidis – got to within 15” at the first climb (46km). The average speed of the first hour was 47.5km/h.

At 57km, Haussler, Perez Moreno and Chavanel accelerated ahead of their escape companions who were caught by the peloton at 62km when the leading trio’s advantage was 1’00”.

13:50:54 - Peloton 1'30" Behind At 67km

There are a number of riders now opting to answer nature's call at the 67km mark. The bunch is now 1'30" behind Haussler, Perez Moreno and Chavanel.

13:53:38 - Wet Conditions For Stage 13

The roads are wet for the opening hour and a half of stage 13. Rain is falling on the peloton and the conditions are a complete contrast to yesterday.

13:54:26 - Lead Blows Out To 2'50"

At the 68km mark, the peloton is 2'50" behind the leading trio. Ah yes, truce comes after an frantic hour-and-a-half of chasing. The riders in the lead are: Haussler (CTT), Perez Moreno (EUS) and Chavanel (QST).

13:57:09 - Add Another Minute To The Lead...

After the 47.5km/h first hour, the peloton has virtually come to a standstill. The advantage of the leading trio is now 3'50"!

13:59:18 - Jaan Kirsippu: 40 Today...

In 1999, only two riders wore the yellow jersey in the Tour de France. Lance Armstrong claimed it first but then the Estonian sprinter Jaan Kirsipuu took it after claiming time bonuses in stages one and two.

Kirsipuu turns 40 today.

14:01:24 - Lead Up To 5 Minutes

The peloton is five minutes behind Haussler's trio as it passes the 71km mark.

14:02:15 - Brother Of Former Colmar Stage Winner Turns 52 Today

When a stage of the 1997 Tour de France concluded in Colmar (which hosts today's finish), the winner was Neil Stephens. The brother of the former Festina rider from Australian, Brian, is in a manager of the national development team. Today is Brian Stephens' 52nd birthday.

14:04:20 - Visions Of Pontarlier...

Friday's stage begins in Pontarlier. It was here in 2001 that a group of 13 riders arrived 35 minutes ahead of the peloton in stage eight. On that day, torrential rain fell. It's wet today but not quite as nasty as it was eight years ago. Still, it is the first time this year that rain like this has been seen by the Tour.

14:07:51 - Former World Number-One In Lead...

Of the three men in the lead, one has won a stage of the Tour before (Sylvain Chavanel - stage 18 last year) and another has led the world rankings for a few weeks. Heinrich Haussler (CTT) - the Australian-born German - has already won four races this year.

14:10:32 - Lead Up To 6'30"

With the peloton at the 75km mark, it is 6'30" behind Haussler (CTT), Chavanel (QST) and Perez Moreno (EUS).

14:18:34 - Lead Up To 7'30"

Haussler, Chavanel and Perez Moreno are now 7'30" ahead of the peloton at the 79km mark.

14:19:19 - First Stage Finish In Colmar Since 2001

The last time a stage of the Tour de France concluded in Colmar was on Bastille Day 2001. The winner was Laurent Jalabert. He attacked his escape companions after the final climb and beat Jens Voigt by 11".

14:23:46 - Result Of 2nd Intermediate Sprint

The leaders are 8'10" ahead of the peloton as they contested the 2nd intermediate sprint of stage 13. This was in Gerardmer (at 88.5km). The points were won by:

1. Ruben Perez Moreno (EUS) 6pts

2. Sylvain Chavanel (QST) 4pts

3. Heinrich Haussler (CTT) 2pts

14:25:45 - Average Speed For Second Hour

The average for the second hour in stage 13 is 43.7km/h. The average since the start of the stage is 45.6km/h.

14:29:24 - Remembering Colmar Stage In 2001

When Laurent Jalabert won the seventh stage of the 2001 Tour de France,in Colmar (which hosts today's finish), he was part of a five-manescape group that also contained Jens Voigt, Laurent Roux, Ivan Bassoand Inigo Cuesta. Two of these riders are in the race this year (Voigt and Cuesta), one ofthem - Voigt - was in the early escape today.

Ivan Basso crashed on the final descent and although he finished the stage he was forced to abandon because of the injuries he sustained in the accident.

14:30:41 - Peloton Near Gérardmer

The peloton is over eight minutes behind the leading trio as it approaches Gérardmer ('8'40" to be precise). A stage of the 2005 Tour concluded in this town in the Vosges department. The top 10 of the eighth stage four years ago was:

1. Pieter Weening (NED)

2. Andreas Kloden (GER) at same time

3. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) at 27"

4. Kim Kirchen (LUX at st

5. Jens Voigt (GER) at st

6. Jan Ullrich (GER) at st

7. Cadel Evans (AUS) at st

8. Christophe Moreau (FRA) at st

9. Chris Horner (USA) at st

10. Alexandre Vinokourov (KAZ) TMO at st

Calculations were made and first and second were separated by just 0.0002m.

14:36:06 - Zabriskie Almost Eliminated In Gerardmer In 2005

The stage leaders are now climbing the col de la Schlucht. The last time this climb was a feature of the Tour was stage eight in 2005. Dave Zabriskie wore the first yellow jersey that year after winning the opening time trial in his Tour debut. The American was last in the eighth stage, finishing 51'12" behind the stage winner. He missed out on elimination by just one minute.

14:38:45 - Armstrong Calls For Team Car

Armstrong is currently riding at the rear of the peloton. He has called for the team car. The seven-time Tour champion has long fingered gloves and a rain jacket on (like most riders today). He is currently in discussion with Johan Bruyneel who is inside Astana's Volvo...

14:40:56 - AG2R Leading Peloton

The team of Rinaldo Nocentini is at the front of the peloton which is now almost nine minutes behind Chavanel, Perez Moreno and Haussler.

14:41:56 - Peloton In Feedzone: 9'10" Behind

At the entry to the feedzone (at 94.5km) the peloton is 9'10" behind the three escapees.

14:43:12 - Leaders Over Schlucht Climb In 2005

The last time the col de la Schlucht was part of the Tour de France was in 2005. The first riders at the summit back then were:

1. Kloden 20pts

2. Weening 18pts

3. Rasmussen 16pts

4. Botero 14pts

5. Ullrich 12pts

6. Julich

7. Evans...

Only Kloden and Evans are in the race this year.

14:46:05 - Three Attack Peloton

Three riders - including Barredo (QST) have attacked the peloton as it ascends the col de la Schlucht.

14:47:16 - Leaders 5km From Top

The attack at the front of the peloton is by Kern (COF), Barredo (QST) and Pellizotti (LIQ). They made their move as the leading trio reached the 5km to climb sign.

14:48:24 - Four In Counter-Attack...

Txurruka (EUS) has caught Pellizotti, Kern and Barredo early on the Schlucht climb.

14:49:04 - Martinez Also Joins Counter-Attack

At the 97km mark, Haussler, Perez Moreno and Chavanel lead a counter-attack that included: Cancellara (SAX), Martinez and Txurruka (EUS), Roche (ALM), Pellizotti (LIQ), Kern (COF) and Barredo (QST).

14:50:35 - Three Lead Eight By 8'15" & Peloton By 8'30"

At the 97km mark, the advantage of the leading trio to the counter-attack was 8'15". The peloton was at 8'30".

14:51:36 - No Rain Jackets For Leading Trio

While most in the peloton have retrieved rain jackets from their team cars, the three in the lead don't have that protection from the elements. Haussler and Perez Moreno have vests on and Chavanel is sporting armwarmers (like the other two) but they have been spending a lot more energy than those in the peloton early today. The latest check had Haussler's group 8'15" ahead of a counter-attacking group.

14:53:20 - Van de Broeck Joins Counter-Attack

Several other riders have joined the counter-attack, including van den Broeck (SIL).

14:53:59 - Counter-Attack Group Grows

Martinez, Txurruka, Millar, Cancellara, Van den Broeck, Feillu, Barredo are some of the riders with a slight advantage over the peloton on the col de la Schlucht.

14:55:50 - Astana Lead Peloton

There are 16 riders in the counter-attack. Now Astana is setting the pace for the peloton.

14:56:53 - Leaders At Summit

The first three riders have reached the top of the Schlucht climb.

1. Perez Moreno (EUS) 10pts

2. Chavanel (QST) 9pts

3. Haussler (CTT) 8pts

14:57:43 - Three Lead By 6'50"

The counter-attacking group of 16 is 6'50" behind Haussler's trio and 7'00" ahead of the peloton.

14:58:59 - Feillu Attacks Counter-Attack

Brice Feillu has accelerated ahead of the counter-attack which is about to be caught by the peloton.

14:59:28 - Feillu Insists

While the other counter-attackers have been caught by the peloton, Feillu is insisting with his pursuit of the leading trio.

15:02:30 - Feillu Caught

Pellizotti has led the peloton's chase of Feillu. There are now just three riders ahead of the peloton.

15:02:51 - Pellizotti Sprinting Ahead

Pellizotti has attacked the peloton in the final 300m of the climb. Martinez reeled him in and the peloton was 6'10" behind the leading trio at the top.

15:03:41 - Result Of Col de la Schlucht

The points for the second climb were won by:

1. Perez Moreno (EUS) 10pts

2. Chavanel (QST) 9pts

3. Haussler (CTT) 8pts

4. Martinez (EUS) 7pts - at 6'10"

5. Pellizotti (LIQ) 6pts

6. Verdugo (EUS) 5pts

15:04:53 - Times For Leaders & Peloton On Climb

Times have been taken as the riders ascended the col de la Schlucht. The three leaders covered the 8.9km ascent (which has an average gradient of 4.2 percent) in 21'52". The peloton covered the same distance in 18'51".

15:08:12 - Peloton At 5'50"

At the 108km mark, the peloton is 5'50" behind Haussler, Perez Moreno and Chavanel.

15:09:15 - Gerdemann Attacks Peloton

Linus Gerdemann (MRM) has attacked the peloton on the descent. The winner of the stage to Le Grand Bornand in 2007 (and yellow jersey for a day) is 5'40" behind the leading trio. The peloton is at the 112km mark, 6'00" behind.

15:12:05 - 80km To Go

Haussler, Perez Moreno and Chavanel are now less than 80km from the finish in Colmar. Gerdemann is continuing his attack and is 5'30" behind the leading trio.

15:13:59 - Rogers Punctures

Rogers (THR) has received a new wheel from the Mavic neutral spares car after a recent puncture on the slippery descent of the col de la Schlucht.

15:14:41 - Gerdemann At 4'30"

Gerdemann is pushing on with his attack. He is 4'30" behind the leading trio at the 116km mark and the peloton is at 5'05".

15:17:12 - Result Of Third Intermediate Sprint

The points for the sprint in Luttenbach (124km) were won by:

1. Sylvain Chavanel (QST) 6pts

2. Heinrich Haussler (CTT) 4pts

3. Ruben Perez Moreno (EUS) 2pts

15:19:27 - Details Of Platzerwasel Climb

The third climb of stage 13 is the 1,193m high col du Platzerwasel. This is 8.7km long with an average gradient of 7.6 per cent. The summit is at the 138.5km mark. The steepest sections are the third and fourth kilometers which peak at a gradient of 9.8 per cent.

15:23:01 - Gerdemann Leads Peloton By 1'00"

The counter-attack by Gerdemann is putting a little bit of time between him and the peloton. The German is still, however, 5'40" behind the leading trio at the 124km mark.

15:24:24 - Peloton At 6'50"

As the bunch passes the site of the third intermediate sprint (124km) it is 6'50" behind Haussler's trio.

15:25:44 - Astana Leading Peloton

The Astana team has its riders at the front of the peloton as it approaches the only category-one climb of stage 13.

15:26:15 - Jesus Led Over Platzerwasel In 1967

The Platzerwasel ascent has only been a feature of the Tour on one occasion before today. That was in the eighth stage of the 1967 edition. The first at the summit was Jesus Aranzabal.

15:28:45 - 70km To Go

The leading trio are 70km from the finish while the bunch reaches the 126km mark. The advantage of Haussler, Perez Moreno and Chavanel is 5'50" to Gerdemann and over seven minutes on the peloton.

15:30:17 - Kern Attacks Again

Kern (COF) has attacked the peloton near the foot of the fourth climb.

15:33:21 - Peloton On Plazterwasel Climb

Kern is 7'20" behind as he begins the Platzerwasel climb. The peloton is at 7'20".

15:36:26 - Cold Conditions Today

Not only is it raining for the 13th stage but the conditions are cold as well. The temperature on the course is currently just 12 degrees Celsius.

15:37:55 - Chavanel Doing Twice The Work...

Of the three riders at the front of the stage, Chavanel is spending the most time at the front. The Frenchman has been leading for 51 percent of the last 10 minutes; Perez Moreno 25 percent and Haussler 24 percent.

15:39:50 - Gerdemann 5'30" Behind

With 5km to climb, Gerdemann is 5'30" behind the three leaders and the peloton is at 7'10".

15:40:23 - Perez Moreno Dropped

Chavanel and Haussler have dropped Perez Moreno at the front of the stage.

15:40:51 - Kern Caught...

Poor Christophe Kern has been busting his boiler to try and gain some time on the peloton. His face is a picture of pain but he never got more than 10 seconds ahead. The Frenchman has just been swallowed up by the peloton.

15:43:34 - Two Lead One By 25"

Haussler and Chavanel are 25" ahead of their former escape companion Perez Moreno.

15:44:08 - Menchov Joins Dropped Riders

There have been a number of riders dropping behind the peloton. Cavendish, Sorensen, Boonen and Ballan were early casualties of the Platzerwasel climb. Now Menchov too has been dropped.

15:47:49 - Saxo Bank Riders Move Forward

The peloton has been led by Astana riders for most of the third climb but now Chris Sorensen of the Saxo Bank is moving into the pacesetting position. On his wheel is Andy Schleck...

15:49:39 - Pellizotti Moves Ahead...

Pellizotti has accelerated around the Astana and Saxo Bank teams at the front of the peloton. Martinez has been dropped... it's time to consider the poll on LeTour.fr. The question today:

Franco Pellizotti is ranked second in the climbing classification after 12 stages. Will he take the polka-dot jersey today?

Yes or no?

15:53:16 - Gerdemann Caught

Gerdemann has been reeled in by the peloton. Pellizotti is now the fourth man in the stage. Ahead of him is Haussler and Chavanel. Perez Moreno is still lingering between the stage leaders and the peloton.

15:54:11 - Leaders Crest Platzerwasel

Chavanel is leading Haussler to the summit of the Platzerwasel climb.

15:56:57 - Leaders Over Top...

The points a the top of the col du Platzerwasel were won by:

1. Sylvain Chavanel (QST) 15pts

2. Heinrich Haussler (CTT) 13pts...

We await the peloton's arrival at the top of this cat-1 climb.

Gerdemann has been dropped by the yellow jersey's peloton.

15:58:25 - Points Winners At 3rd Climb

1. Sylvain Chavanel (QST) 15pts

2. Heinrich Haussler (CTT) 13pts

3. Ruben Perez Moreno (EUS) 11pts - 2'45"

4. Franco Pellizotti (LIQ) 10pts - at 3'10"

5. Mikel Astarloza (EUS) 8pts

6. Alberto Contador (AST) 7pts

7. Lance Armstrong (AST) 6pts

8. Frank Schleck (SAX) 5pts

16:02:13 - Perez Moreno 40" Ahead Of Peloton

Perez Moreno was dropped from the lead group with 4.5km to climb. The bunch is now over the summit of the Platzerwasel ascent and the Euskaltel rider is 40" ahead of the yellow jersey's peloton.

16:03:25 - Astana Assumes Lead Position

The Astana team is right at the front of the bunch now with Kloden setting the pace ahead of Armstrong. This group is now 2'55" behind the two stage leaders who have about 58km to go.

16:04:18 - Two Riders Ahead Of Peloton

Perez Moreno has been caught by the peloton. Only Haussler and Chavanel are now ahead of the yellow jersey's group.

16:05:08 - Txurruka & Feillu Attack Peloton

As the peloton got to within 3'00" of the leading pair, Feillu (AGR) and Txurruka (EUS) have gone on the attack.

16:08:13 - Leaders At 145km Mark

Haussler and Chavanel are now in Le Markstein at the 145km mark of the 200km stage. It has been raining all day and now Haussler appears keen to try going alone to the finish. He has accelerated away from the Frenchman...

16:10:13 - Two Lead Two By 2'35"

As Menchov rejoins the yellow jersey's group that is 3'15" behind Haussler and Chavanel at the 144km mark, the counter-attackers (Txurruka and Feillu) are 2'35" behind...

16:11:54 - Haussler Leads By 100m

Haussler is doing the descent faster than Chavanel. The German has a lead of about 100m on the Frenchman. They are 2'35" ahead of Txurruka and Feillu.

16:13:09 - Peloton At 3'20"

At the 146km the peloton is 3'20" behind Chavanel and Haussler (who are riding together again). Martinez has rejoined the yellow jersey's peloton.

16:14:27 - Situation With 50km To Go

Chavanel (QST) and Haussler (CTT) lead the stage with 50km to go. They are 2'50" ahead of Feillu (AGR) and Txurruka (EUS) and 3'25" ahead of the peloton that contains all the riders in the top 10 overall as well as the polka-dot jersey, Martinez.

16:16:05 - Haussler Doing The Most Work

In the last 10 minutes, Haussler has been at the front of the race for 83 per cent of the time.

16:16:32 - Haussler Drops Chavanel On Descent

Haussler is prepared to take more risks on the wet roads today. He has built a lead of 15" on Chavanel on the descent...

16:20:57 - Haussler Leads Chasing Pair By 2'35"

Haussler continues to attack the descent. He is putting time into Chavanel at the front of the stage (19" between the two). In third and fourth place are Feillu and Txurruka at 2'35".

16:23:07 - Peloton At 4'25"

Haussler leads the yellow jersey's peloton by 4'25". The bunch has just passed the 153km mark.

16:24:25 - Haussler Leads Chavanel By 30"

Haussler is committed to a long time trial to Colmar. He leads his former escape companion, Chavanel, by 30" with 40km to go. Feillu and Txurruka are at 2'50".

16:25:26 - Peloton At 157km: 5'00" Behind

Haussler continues to lead the stage on his own. He has 20" on Chavanel and is now 5'00" ahead of the peloton which is at the 157km mark.

16:27:35 - Leaders On Col du Bannstein

Haussler continues to lead the stage. The Australian-born German-registered rider is 30" ahead of Chavanel. This climb is 2.1km long (with an average gradient of 5.1 percent).

16:32:21 - Heinrich Jnr From Inverell...

Heinrich Haussler is the son of Heinrich Haussler. The Cervelo rider was born in Inverell, the same town as former pro and CSC directeur sportif last year (Scott Sunderland). This town hosts one of Australia's oldest one-day Classics, the Grafton to Inverell.

Heinrich Jnr moved to Germany in his teens to train as a cyclist. He has said that he intends to register himself as an Australian in 2010 (the year that Melbourne/Geelong will host the world championships).

16:34:58 - Leaders Over Fourth Climb

Haussler has taken four points at the top of the fourth climb. He is 45" ahead of Chavanel on the col du Bannstein. The peloton has just begun this ascent (6'25" behind Haussler).

16:36:03 - Counter-Attackers At 4'00"

Feillu (AGR) and Txurruka are 4'00" behind Haussler as they make their way to the top of the col du Bannstein.

16:37:23 - Result of Col du Bannstein

The points for the fourth climb of the 13th stage were won by:

1. Haussler (CTT) 4pts

2. Chavanel (QST) 3pts - at 45"

3. Txurruka (EUS) 2pts - at 4'00"

4. Feillu (AGR) 1pt - at 4'00"...

This summit is 34.5km from the finish. The peloton is 6'35" behind.

16:39:01 - Final Summit 20.5km From Finish

The top of the col du Firstplan (a 8.4km long ascent with an average gradient of 5.4 percent) is 20.5km from the finish. The two leaders are now at the base of this ascent.

16:40:28 - Peloton At 6'40"

At the top of the col du Bannstein the peloton is 6'40" behind Haussler.

16:40:47 - Haussler Increases His Lead

Haussler is now 1'15" ahead of Chavanel. The Cervelo rider joined Moreau (AGR) in the first escape of the day which came at the 3km mark.

16:42:26 - Haussler 18" Faster On Col du Bannstein

It took Haussler 4'28" to ascent the col du Bannstein. The peloton covered the same distance in 4'46".

16:44:52 - Haussler On The Attack Since 3km

Haussler's lead over the second rider is 1'45". He has been on the attack since the third kilometer mark. The peloton is now 7'35" behind the German Cervelo rider.

16:46:12 - Peloton 7'30" Behind

At the 171km mark, the peloton is 7'30" behind Haussler.

16:47:08 - 25km To Go

Haussler is 25km from the finish. He is 2'00" ahead of Chavanel, over four minutes ahead of Feillu and Txurruka and over seven minutes ahead of the peloton.

16:48:20 - Wegelius Leads Peloton

Charlie Wegelius (SIL) is setting the pace of the peloton early on the slopes of the col du Firstplan.

16:49:13 - Chavanel At 2'15"

At the 25km to go sign, Chavanel is 2'15" behind Haussler. The Quickstep captain is being closed in on by Feillu and Txurruka. Wegelius continues his antics of lingering in front of the Astana-led peloton... which is now 7'35" behind Haussler.

16:51:46 - Andy Schleck Punctures... Again!

Andy Schleck has punctured more than any other rider in the Tour de France. He has just received a new bike from the Saxo Bank team car and is racing back to the peloton with the support of three team-mates.

16:52:44 - Schleck Back In Peloton

Andy Schleck has rejoined the peloton after his puncture.

16:53:15 - Haussler Onward To Victory...?

Haussler (CTT) is now over three minutes in front of the next-best rider, Sylvain Chavanel (QST). Txurruka is third in the stage (at 4'40"). Then comes Feillu (at 4'50") and the peloton with the yellow and polka-dot jerseys is at 7'45".

16:56:42 - 20km To Go...

The 25-year-old Haussler looks like the winner of the 13th stage. He is now 20km from the finish and has a lead of 7'30" on the peloton. In between are Chavanel, Txurruka and Feillu.

16:59:50 - All Downhill From Here...

Haussler has crested the col du Firstplan. He has 20km to go in the stage. He attacked the peloton at the 3km mark and appears destined to win the stage. He has a lead of 3'40" on Chavanel and 4'05" on Txurruka. Feillu is at 4'50"...

17:01:23 - Feillu Making A Bid For Yellow...?

Of the riders ahead of the peloton, Feillu is the best placed in the general classification. He began the stage ranked 25th overall, 4'26" behind Nocentini.

17:02:39 - Txurruka Passes Chavanel

Txurruka is now second in the stage. The super-combative rider from the 2007 Tour has just passed Chavanel, the super-combative rider from last year...

17:03:42 - Col du Firstplan Result

The points for the final climb of the 13th stage (at 179.5km) were won by:

1. Haussler (CTT) 20pts

2. Txurruka (EUS) 18pts - at 3'30"

3. Chavanel (QST) 16pts - at 3'50"

4. Feillu (AGR) 14pts - at 4'25"

5. Pellizotti (LIQ) 12pts - 7'20"

6. Nibali (LIQ) 10pts

17:07:39 - Txurruka At 3'40"

At the 15km to go mark, Txurruka is 3'40" behind Haussler.

17:10:01 - Chavanel At 4'10"

The rider in third place, Sylvain Chavanel, is 4'10" behind Haussler... then comes Feillu at 4'55". These time checks were taken 15km from the finish.

17:11:06 - 10km To Go

Haussler is 10km from winning his first Tour de France stage. He has only increased his lead since attacking Chavanel on the descent of the Platzerwasel climb.

17:12:20 - Peloton At 6'50" With 15km To Go

The peloton is now 15km from the finish. Astana and Saxo Bank are in the front of this group that's 6'50" behind Haussler.

17:13:17 - Feillu 1'55" Ahead Of Yellow Jersey...

Feillu began the stage 4'26" behind Nocentini, the rider who took the yellow jersey on the day that Feillu won his stage. The current advantage of Feillu on Nocentini is 1'55".

17:14:44 - Haussler Offers A Smile...

Haussler has begun to accept what's happened. He's giving a grin to the camera as he approaches Colmar and what is highly likely to be his first stage victory in the Tour de France. He has less than 6km to go in the 200km stage. By the time he reaches the finish, he will have been on the attack for 197km...

17:16:41 - 4km To Go

Haussler is 4km from the finish of the 200km stage. He is about to give Cervelo its second stage victory in this year's Tour de France.

17:18:56 - Wiggins Has Mechanical Trouble

Wiggins has punctured in the peloton. He is about to get serviced by his team mechanic and he can be thankful that the peloton isn't going as hard as the man in the front of the stage. The Brit in fourth overall should be able to return to the bunch before the finish.

17:20:08 - Haussler Preparing For Victory Salute

The vest and arm warmers have been removed and Haussler is starting to consider his victory salute. His jersey is zipped up and the grin has already emerged. He has less than 2km to go before celebrating...

17:21:13 - Wiggins Rejoins Peloton

The rider in fourth overall, Wiggins (GRM) is back with the peloton after his puncture.

17:21:39 - 'Flamme Rouge' For Haussler

He has enough of an advantage to celebrate for the entire final kilometer. Haussler is going to give Cervelo another stage win. His advantage over Txurruka is over four minutes and the German Australian is already blowing kisses to the camera.

17:23:07 - Victory For Haussler!

Heinrich Haussler has won the 13th stage after rolling to the line with tears in his eyes and a humble salute to the fans as he takes his first Tour de France stage victory. He's overwhelmed by emotions and is now receiving hugs from his Cervelo team staff.

17:25:02 - Peloton 4km From Finish...

The peloton was 7'20" behind Haussler at the 4km mark. Txurruka is yet to arrive to claim second place in Colmar. It's a day for the aggressors: Haussler has been voted the most combative rider in the stage; Txurruka, the super-combative of 2007 is going to be second; Chavanel, the super-combative rider from last year is likely to take third...

17:27:24 - Feillu Takes Third

Feillu has claimed third place over six minutes after the emotional victory salute by Haussler.

17:30:54 - Top Five In Stage 13

In torrid conditions, Heinrich Haussler proved that he can climb well,descend without fear, and attack when many would rather stay indoors.The 25-year-old earned the most convincing stage victory of the 2009Tour. The top five in stage 13 is:

1. Heinrich Haussler (GER) CTT - 200km in 4h56'26" (40.481km/h)

2. Amets Txurruka (ESP) EUS at 4'11"

3. Brice Feillu (FRA) AGR at 6'13"

4. Sylvain Chavanel (FRA) QST at 6'31"

5. Peter Velits (SVK) MRM at 6'43"