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11:47:38 - Welcome To The Live Coverage Of Stage 15

The 207.5km 15th stage of the 2009 Tour de France - from Pontarlier to Verbier in Switzerland is due to begin at midday. There is a short neutral zone before the peloton arrives at the site of the official start. This is expected to be at around 12.05pm. The temperature at the site of the finish was low yesterday but today the sun is shining in the Swiss Alps and the conditions are warm with a temperature near the mid-20s (Celsius) as we approach start time for what promises to be an exciting day or racing in the mountains.

Live coverage will commence shortly.

11:56:29 - A Minute's Silence Before Stage Start

Before the peloton starts rolling, there will be a minute's silence to pay respects to the victim of an accident at the front of the race in stage 14. A 61-year-old woman died after an incident with a policeman on a motorcycle that was ahead of the peloton.

"Deeply affected by this tragic accident, the Gendarmerie, the Garde Republicain and the Tour de France organization offer their condolences to the families and friends of the victim and promise their full support to those who were injured," read a statement from the organizers.

12:03:22 - Cool Conditions At The Start

The temperature in Pontarlier for the start of stage 15 is just 12 degrees Celsius. It's overcast for the beginning of the stage but there's little threat of any rain today.

12:04:09 - Peloton In The Neutral Zone

The peloton is currently in the 2.2km neutral zone and on the way to the site of the official start.

12:04:41 - Six Climbs In Stage 15....

On the menu for today's stage are six categorized climbs, three cat-three – the cote du Rafour (8km), cote des Etroits (18.5km), cote de la Carrière (54km) and the cote de Prévonloup (74km), the cat-2 col des Mosses (135.5km) and the final ascent, a cat-1 climb to Verbier.

12:07:39 - Two Intermediate Sprints...

There are now just two intermediate sprints for the non-time trial stages of the 2009 Tour de France. Points for the green jersey can be acquired in Thierrens (56.5km) and Martigny (181km).

12:08:57 - Racing At 12.08pm

The official start of the 15th stage was at 12.08pm. The bunch has just reached the 2.5km mark and there have been no early attacks.

12:11:59 - Tom Boonen Abandons After 14 Stages

The Belgian champion, Tom Boonen, has abandoned the 2009 Tour de France. The winner of the green jersey in 2007 didn’t have a huge impact on the race once it was finally decided that he could be part of the peloton. His best stage place was 16th in stage 11. He was ranked 148th overall after 14 stages, 1h38’42” behind Nocentini.

Boonen was suffering from a stomach complaint and was ill overnight. There are now 163 riders in the peloton.

12:13:03 - Prize Classification Review: Part 01 – Yellow Jersey

After riding eight stages in second place on the general classification Alberto Contator (AST) has been shunted down to third overall. The reason for the change of the top order is George Hincapie (THR); the American was part of the escape group that finished well ahead of the peloton in stage 14. The veteran of 14 Tours de France is now ranked second, just five seconds behind Rinaldo Nocentini (ALM). Lance Armstrong is in fourth place and only eight seconds separates the first four positions in the race for the yellow jersey.

Another member of the escape group from the stage to Besançon, Christophe Le Mevel (FDJ) moved into fifth place, 43” behind Nocentini. Bradley Wiggins (GRM) is now sixth at 46”.

12:13:39 - William Bonnet Punctures

The peloton is beginning to ascent the cote du Rafour and William Bonnet (BBO) has punctured. There are a number of riders attacking the peloton early, including Carlos Barredo (QST).

12:14:37 - Prize Classification Review: Part 02 – Green Jersey

In the final meters of the 14th stage, Mark Cavendish (THR) burst into the lead of the peloton and finished at the front of the pack that arrived in Besançon 5’36” behind Serguei Ivanov (KAT). The quadruple stage winner of this year’s Tour de France crossed the line in 13th place but was relegated after the race jury reviewed the final sprint and declared that he moved off his line, forcing Thor Hushovd (CTT) into the barriers on the right side of the finishing straight.

Hushovd crossed the line in 14th place but was elevated up the rankings after Cavendish was relegated to last in the bunch (154th place) and out of the points.

The green jersey is still worn by Hushovd, who has 218pts, 18 more than Cavendish and 92 more than the third-placed rider in the points classification, Jose Joaquim Rojas (GCE).

12:15:01 - Barredo On His Own Up Front

Barredo had a lead of about 50 meters but the peloton is responding to the attack by the Spanish Quickstep rider.

12:15:44 - Details Of First Climb

The cote du Rafour is 3.7km long with an average gradient of 5.1 percent. The peloton is now at the 5.5km mark and is all together. Barredo has been caught. The top of the first climb is at the 8km mark.

12:16:28 - Prize Classification Review: Part 03 – Polka-Dot Jersey

There was no change to the top order of the climbing classification after the stage to Besançon. Franco Pellizotti (LIQ) continues to lead Egoi Martinez (EUS) , 98pts to 95. Brice Feillu (AGR) is ranked third with 64pts.

The King of the Mountains category is likely to receive a significant shake up in stage 15 as there are six climbs on the itinerary: four cat-3, followed by a cat-2 and the final ascent to Verbier which is ranked cat-1.

The final mountain will carry double points, meaning that the stage winner will earn 30 points in Switzerland.

12:16:47 - Pellizotti Jumps Ahead...

The peloton is at the 6km mark. The polka-dot jersey, Pellizotti (LIQ) is moving to the front of the pack as it approaches the first summit. His little acceleration has amounted to nothing and the bunch is all together again.

12:17:53 - Prize Classification Review: Part 04 – White Jersey

Once again Tony Martin (THR) wears the white jersey as leader of the youth classification. This has been the case since the fourth stage. The German is ranked eighth overall and has a lead of 49” over Andy Schleck in the category that’s open to riders born after 1 January 1984.

12:18:07 - Prize Classification Review: Part 05 – Team Rankings

The AG2R La Mondiale squad is back in charge of the team classification. It is 16 seconds ahead of Milram and 4’45” ahead of Columbia-HTC. The former leaders of this category that is judged on the first three from each team in each stage, Saxo Bank, has slipped down to fourth, at 4’46”.

12:18:36 - Long Day For 'Lanterne Rouge'

Kenny van Hummel (SKS) has already been dropped by the peloton which is yet to arrive at the top of the cote du Rafour. The Dutchman is ranked last in the general classification after 14 stages.

12:20:03 - Fedrigo On The Attack

Fedrigo (BBO) has attacked the peloton at the 6.5km mark. He has a small lead on the peloton.

12:20:27 - Result Of First Climb

The points at the top of the climb at the 8km mark were won by:

1. Franco Pellizotti (LIQ) 4pts

2. Pierrick Fedrigo (BBO) 3pts

3. Egoi Martinez (EUS) 2pts

4. Jurgen van den Broeck (SIL) 1pt

12:27:17 - Peloton In Switzerland

The peloton is now racing on Swiss soil. The border crossing was around the 10km mark. There were some attacks on the first climb but currently the bunch is all together.

12:29:36 - Chavanel Goes Solo

There is one rider on the attack. Sylvain Chavanel attacked at the 13km mark and he's now on his own at the front of the 15th stage.

12:32:18 - Points Winners On Second Climb

The peloton is past the second climb of the stage. The points were won by:

1. Pellizotti (LIQ) 4pts

2. Chavanel (QST) 3pts

3. Martinez (EUS) 2pts

4. Loosli (LAM) 1pt

12:35:35 - Apologies For Lack Of Information

There are some technical difficulties early in the 15th stage. Apologies for the delay in the supply of information today.

12:37:07 - Peloton At 21km

None of the early escape attempts have been successful. The peloton is currently all together on the descent from the cote des Etroits. So far 21km have been raced...

12:38:31 - Dekker: Winner Of Previous Stage Finish In Switzerland

Today marks the first time that a stage of the Tour de France has finished on Swiss soil since 2000. In the 87th edition, the 17th stage was a 155km journey from Evian-les-Bains to Lausanne. The winner was Dutchman Erik Dekker who attacked in the closing kilometers and he held off the peloton that was led home by Erik Zabel ahead of Fred Rodriguez.

12:39:42 - Flecha & Arashiro Back After Punctures

Flecha (RAB) and Arashiro (BBO) have recently punctured. They have been tended to by the team mechanics and have returned to the peloton.

12:41:06 - Peloton At 27km

The peloton is still all together as it passes the 27km mark.

12:43:28 - Kirchen A Winner In Verbier Before

The sixth stage of last year’s Tour de Suisse concluded in Verbier. It was a 188km journey from Ambri and the winner was one of the seven men who wore the yellow jersey during last year’s Tour de Fnrace. The top 10 of the stage last June was:

1. Kim Kirchen (LUX) 5.29.23 (34.264 km/h)

2. Andreas Klöden (GER) at same time

3. Roman Kreuziger (CZE) at 6”

4. Sergei Ivanov (RUS) 12”

5. Stijn Devolder (BEL) 20”

6. Andy Schleck (LUX) same time

7. Thomas Lövkvist (SWE) 27”

8. Igor Anton Hernandez (ESP) 29”

9. Damiano Cunego (ITA) 31’

10. Markus Fothen (GER) same time

12:49:25 - Peloton Together At 34km Mark...

The bunch continues to ride along as one group. So far 34km have been covered. Bonnet (BBO) has again stopped for some mechanical assistance.

12:50:27 - Le Mevel: Fifth Overall

By being part of the escape group in stage 14, Christophe Le Mevel jumped from 30th overall to fifth. He is the highest ranked Frenchman after 14 stages since 2006. In recent years, the best French riders in the Tour have been:

2008 – Stephane Goubert, 33rd overall

2007 – Sylvain Chavanel, 28th overall

2006 – Cyril Dessel, 3rd overall

2005 – Christophe Moreau, 10th overall

2004 – Thomas Voeckler, 1st overall

12:53:37 - LeTour.fr's Survey For Today...

Today the climb at the finish is expected to force a change to the top order of the general classification. There is a daily poll on the official site of the Tour de France (LeTour.fr) that poses the question:

Five riders at the top of GC. Who do you think will be closest to the race lead after stage 15?

- Rinaldo Nocentini (ALM)

- George Hincapie (THR)

- Alberto Contador (AST)

- Lance Armstrong (THR)

- Christophe Le Mevel (FDJ)

12:55:53 - No Successful Escapes Today

The peloton is still all together after 50 minutes of racing. Pellizotti (LIQ) led over the first two climbs of the stage and has increased his advantage over Martinez (EUS) who also collected points at the cote de Rafour (8km) and cote des Etroits (18.5km)

12:59:02 - Peloton At 42km

Moncoutie (COF) is attempting to break free of the peloton at the 42km mark. The peloton has reacted to the acceleration and now Pellizotti (LIQ) is trying his luck...

13:00:53 - Seven Riders Into The Lead

There are seven riders - including Pellizotti (LIQ) - at the head of the peloton. Again there has been a reaction to the move and the latest escape attempt appears doomed before it really started.

13:02:47 - Peloton At 44km

The seven-man escape group has a lead of just 100m at the 44km mark.

13:03:47 - The Eight Leaders...

Van Den Broeck (SIL), Cancellara (SAX), Martinez (EUS), Pellizotti (LIQ), Arroyo and Gutierrez (GCE) and Moncoutie (COF) are the riders currently in the lead of the 15th stage. Fedrigo (BBO) has also joined the move which began at the 41km mark. So far, 45km have been raced. The eight lead four by 15" and the peloton by 30".

13:06:16 - The Four Counter-Attackers...

Hesjedal (GRM), Kern (COF), Moinard (COF) and Spilak (LAM) are the riders in the counter-attack group.

13:06:55 - Leaders Approach Third Climb

The escapees are about to begin the ascent of the cote de la Carrière (54km). This climb is 6.3km long with an average gradient of 4.4 percent.

13:08:04 - Eight Lead Four By 10"

The eight men in the lead are 10" ahead of the four counter-attackers and 30" ahead of Flecha (RAB) and the peloton is at 35".

13:09:05 - Average Speed For First Hour

The pace at the start is rapid. The average speed for the first hour is 48.2km/h.

13:10:24 - 12 In Lead Group

The four counter-attackers have caught the eight leaders. There are now 12 men at the front of the 15th stage.

13:12:04 - 12 Lead By 35"

The 12 men in the lead (by 35") are: Jurgen van de Broeck (SIL), Fabian Cancellara (SAX), Ryder Hesjedal (GRM), Egoi Martinez (EUS), Franco Pellizotti (LIQ), David Arroyo and Jose Ivan Gutierrez (GCE), David Moncoutie, Christophe Kern and Amael Moinard (COF), Simon Spilak (LAM) and Pierrick Fedrigo (BBO).

13:15:05 - Four More Counter-Attackers

Martin (THR), Astarloza (EUS) and Millar (GRM) are now part of a counter-attack group that is 18" ahead of the peloton.

13:17:16 - 15 In The Lead

The three counter-attackers have just caught the 12 stage leaders at the 53km mark. They are now 1km from the top of the third climb.

13:18:35 - Nine More In Counter-Attack

The 15 stage leaders are being pursued by nine riders who are now 40" behind.

13:19:14 - Peloton At 57"

With 1km to climb (ie. at the 53km mark), the peloton is 57" behind the 15 stage leaders.

13:19:41 - Astana Leads Peloton

Riders from the Astana team have assumed position at the head of the peloton which is now 1'00" behind the 15 riders. In between the stage leaders and the main pack (that includes the yellow jersey) are nine counter-attackers.

13:20:42 - Result Of Cote de la Carriere

The points for the third climb of the 15th stage (54km) were won by:

1. Kern (COF) 4pts

2. Pellizotti (LIQ) 3pts

3. Martinez (EUS) 2pts

4. Gutierrez (GCE) 1pt

13:21:36 - Nine Caught Before Summit

The nine counter-attackers were caught by the peloton before the 54km mark. The 15 leaders now have an advantage of 40" on the bunch.

13:22:42 - Grupetto Forms Early...

Arashiro, Efimkin and Lemoine are amongst a group of riders who have been dropped by the peloton.

13:23:16 - Martin The Highest Ranked Of Escape Group

Of the 15 in the lead of stage 15, the highest ranked on general classification after 14 stage is Tony Martin - the leader of the youth classification. He began the day ranked eighth overall, 1'00" behind Nocentini. His group is now 43" ahead of the peloton.

13:24:42 - Result Of 1st Intermediate Sprint

At the intermediate sprint in Thierrens (56.5km), the points were won by:

1. Egoi Martinez (EUS) 6pts

2. Ryder Hesjedal (GRM) 4pts

3. Christophe Kern (COF) 2pts

The peloton was 45" behind at this point of the race.

13:26:23 - Four Former Stage Winners In Lead Group

Of the 15 in the lead of the 15th stage, four have previously won multiple stages of the Tour.

- Fabian Cancellara (SAX) has won three opening time trials - in 2004, 2007 and 2009 - as well as the stage to Compiegne in 2007.

- David Millar (GRM) won the opening TT in 2000 as well as stage 13 in 2001 in Bezier and the final TT of 2003 in Nantes.

- Pierrick Fedrigo (BBO) won in Gap in 2006 and in Tarbes this year.

- David Moncoutie (COF) won in Figeac in 2004 and Digne-les-Bains in 2005.

13:30:34 - Lead Diminishes...

The peloton is closing in on the 15 escapees. The last check has Martin's group 32" ahead of the hungry pack that is led by the Astana team.

13:31:05 - Hesjedal Attacks Lead Group

With the lead of the escape falling to 30", Hesjedal (GRM) has surged ahead. He has an advantage of eight seconds on the 14 other escapees.

13:32:29 - Armstrong Wearing Leg Warmers Today

The Astana team is at the head of the peloton and in fifth position is the rider ranked fourth overall, Lance Armstrong who is wearing leg warmers early in the 15th stage.

13:34:04 - Some Leaders Waiting For Peloton

About five of the escape group appear to be prepared to wait for the peloton.

13:34:39 - Nine In The Lead

Martin (THR), Kern (COF), Millar (GRM), Martinez (EUS), Arroyo (GCE) and Pellizotti (LIQ) have been caught by the peloton.

13:35:28 - Flecha Attacks Peloton

The peloton appears to be content with the current selection. Now that Martin is back in the bunch, the Astana team as eased the pace of its chase. Now Flecha has attacked and is in pursuit of the nine escapees.

13:36:16 - Current Situation...

Hesjedal leads eight other escapees by eight second, Flecha (RAB) by 25" and the peloton by 32".

13:36:53 - 67km Raced

The peloton is now easing off the pace. It is at the 67km mark.

13:37:14 - Peloton At 55"

The peloton is now 55" behind the eight escapees. Those in the lead of the stage at the 70km mark are: van den Broeck (SIL), Cancellara (SAX), Hesjedal (GRM), Moncoutie (COF), Gutierrez (GCE), Moinard (COF), Spilak (LAM) and Fedrigo (BBO).

13:40:47 - How The Escape Formed...

At 41km eight riders escaped. They were: Van Den Broeck (SIL), Cancellara (SAX), Martinez (EUS), Pellizotti (LIQ), Arroyo and Gutierrez (GCE), Moncoutie (COF) and Fedrigo (BBO). They were chased down by four riders – Hesjedal (GRM), Kern (COF), Moinard (COF) and Spilak (LAM) – who caught the leaders at 49km.

At 51km they 12 led by 35”. At 52km, Millar (GRM), Astarloza (EUS) and Martin (THR) started a counter-attack and caught the leaders at 53km.

The Astana team refused to allow the move with Martin to gain more than a 40” advantage. Six of the escapees – Martin, Millar, Martinez, Pellizotti, Arroyo and Kern – capitulated at the 65km mark.

13:41:43 - 73km Raced

The peloton is now at the 73km mark of the stage.

13:44:21 - Hesjedal Continues Solo Move...

Hesjedal (GRM) is now 1'20" ahead of the peloton and continuing with his solo escape.

13:44:59 - Hesjedal 20" Ahead...

Hesjedal leads the eight other escapees by 20" and Flecha by 30" as he approaches the top of the fourth ascent of the 15th stage.

13:47:04 - Peloton At 2'10"

Hesjedal has reached the top of the fourth climb. He has a lead of 2'10" on the peloton.

13:48:10 - Result Of Cote de Prevonloup (74km)

The points at the top of the fourth climb of stage 15 were won by:

1. Ryder Hesjedal (GRM) 4pts

2. Pierrick Fedrigo (BBO) 3pts - at 20"

3. Jurgen van de Broeck (GCE) 2pts

4. Mikel Astarloza (EUS) 1pt

The peloton is over the top 2'10" behind the stage leader.

13:50:17 - Hesjedal Waits For Other Escapees

Hesjedal is now waiting for the nine other escapees.

13:51:31 - Nine In The Lead

Hesjedal has been caught by the eight escapees around the 77km mark.

13:52:37 - Armstrong Removes Leg Warmers...

The start of the stage was cool. The temperature in Pontarlier at midday was just 12 degrees Celsius. Armstrong (AST) began the stage with leg warmers on but he has now taken them off. He is near the head of the peloton along with his Astana colleagues. Their deficit to the nine escapees is 1'50".

13:55:20 - Flecha Still In Pursuit

Flecha is now 15" behind the nine stage leaders.

13:56:36 - 10 In The Lead

Flecha has caught the nine stage leaders at the 80km mark. The men at the front now are: van den Broeck (SIL), Cancellara (SAX), Hesjedal (GRM), Astarloza (EUS), Gutierrez (GCE), Moncoutie (COF), Moinard (COF), Fedrigo (BBO), Spilak (LAM) and Flecha (RAB). They are 2'00" ahead of the peloton.

13:58:10 - O'Grady Comes Forward To Talk To Armstrong

Stuart O'Grady (SAX) has come to the front of the peloton that's been led by Astana since the escape formed. The Australian is having a chat with Armstrong near the front of the group that is 2'10" behind the 10 escapees.

14:03:45 - Lead Up To 2'30"

The 10 escapees now have a lead of 2'30" on the peloton.

14:06:57 - Advantage Up To 3'10"

The peloton is 3'10" behind the 10 escapees at the 85km mark.

14:10:10 - Moncoutie Best On GC Of Escape

Of the 10 in the lead, the best on general classification after 14 stages is David Moncoutie (COF). He began the stage in 33rd overall, 7'42" behind Nocentini. At the moment his group of 10 is 3'35" ahead of the peloton that's led by Astana.

14:12:18 - Astarloza Best Of Leaders... Not Moncoutie

Of the 10 in the lead, the best on GC is Astarloza (EUS), not Moncoutie (COF) as reported in a previous flash. (Apologies for any confusion caused.)

14:15:44 - Astarloza: 18th - At 3'02"

The advantage of the 10 escapees is now 3'42". This means that Mikel Astarloza (EUS) is now the virtual leader of the Tour de France. He began the stage in 18th place, 3'02" behind Nocentini.

14:16:58 - 10 Lead By 3'50"

Van den Broeck, Cancellara, Hesjedal, Astarloza, Gutierrez, Moncoutie, Moinard, Fedrigo, Spilak and Flecha are now 3'50" ahead of the peloton.

14:20:40 - Leaders Near Feedzone

The 10 escapees are at the 98.5km mark. They are about to reach the feedzone in Epagny.

14:23:04 - Astarloza Ninth In 2007 Tour

The currently 'virtual leader' of the 2009 Tour de France is Mikel Astarloza (EUS). He was ninth overall in the 2007 edition, one place ahead of the defending champion Oscar Pereiro.

14:25:18 - Lead Up To Four Minutes

The 10 escapees have reached the feedzone with a lead of 4'00".

14:25:40 - Astarloza Third In Spanish Nationals

On the Saturday before the start of the Tour de France, Mikel Astarloza finished third in the Spanish national championships (behind Ruben Plaza and Constanino Zaballa). The two men who beat the Euskaltel captain are not contesting the Tour this year.

14:27:33 - No Win For Astarloza Yet This Year...

Astarloza is yet to win a race this year. He has, however, been a consistent performer in events leading up to the Tour de France. He was fourth overall in the Volta Catalunya in May (behind Alejandro Valverde, Dan Martin and former team-mate Haimar Zubeldia) and fifth overall in the Dauphine Libere in France this June (behind Valverde, Cadel Evans, Alberto Contador and Robert Gesink).

His group of 10 is now 4'10" ahead of the peloton.

14:32:20 - Efimkin Quits The Tour

One the crash victims of the second week, Vladimir Efimkin (ALM) has just abandoned the Tour de France. He was ranked 16th overall despite riding the past few stages with nasty injuries.

14:33:38 - 100km To Go

The 10 leaders are 4'00" ahead of the peloton that continues to be led by the Astana team (although Kloden has just been in conference with the directeur sportif). The are another 100km to go before the finish at an altitude of 1,468m in Verbier.

14:36:59 - Efimkin Effectively Top 10 Last Year

Vladimir Efimkin (ALM) quit the Tour at the feedzone. He was 11th overall at the end of the 2008 Tour de France (but, because of the positive control of Bernhard Kohl, can be considered a top 10 rider).

14:39:57 - Peloton At 106.5km

At the town of Villars-sous-Mont, the peloton is 4'05" behind the 10 escapees.

14:40:27 - Comments From Silence-Lotto

One of the riders in the 10-man escape group is Jurgen van den Broeck of the Silence-Lotto team. LeTour.fr recently contacted his directeur sportif Hendrik Redant to get his comments on the tactics for the day. “It’s good to have Jurgen in the move. He’s not going to do a lot of work but we want him to contribute to the pace to help put some pressure on Astana and force them to chase,” said the Belgian.

At the moment, Astarloza of the Euskaltel-Euskadi team is the virual leader of the Tour. This is reason enough to prompt Astana to work a little. “If the group stays away then we may get Jurgen to ride his own race but there’s also the option of having him drop back to help Cadel [Evans] if necessary,” continued Redant.

“Cadel is fine after the first two weeks. He’s in really good shape and now the challenge is to try and find out a way for him to make up the time in general classification. We expect he will move up today. He’s ridden the course just after the Dauphine in June so it’s fresh in his mind. The last climb suits his strengths…”

14:53:51 - New Bike For Moncoutie

One of the riders in the lead of the stage, Moncoutie (COF), has just stopped to collect a new bike. We're not sure what the mechanical problem is but he's now riding again after a quick change.

15:00:07 - Moncoutie Back In Lead Group

After his brief stop, Moncoutie has rejoined the leaders who are 3'40" ahead the peloton that's at the 119km mark.

15:01:07 - Astarloza & van den Broeck Doing The Most Work

Of the 10 in the lead, the two who are doing the most work at the front are Mikel Astarloza (EUS) and Jurgen van den Broek (SIL). Both have spent 13 percent of the last 10 minutes at the front.

15:02:21 - Leaders On Col des Mosses

The leading 10 are on the slopes of the Col des Mosses. This is 13.8km long with an average gradient of four percent. The summit is at the 135km mark. It is a cat-2 ascent that rises to an altitude of 1,445m.

15:03:20 - Four Ascention Of Col des Mosses In Tour

The Col des Mosses has been part of the Tour's itinerary on three previous occasions. The first time was in 1949 when Jean Robic led over the summit. In 1997, first place went to Stephane Heulot and in 2000 the Italian Massimiliano Lelli led over the 1,445m high pass.

15:06:48 - Advantage Grows Again

At 122km the peloton is still being led by Astana riders. It is 4'10" behind Van den Broeck, Cancellara, Hesjedal, Astarloza, Gutierrez, Moncoutie, Moinard, Fedrigo, Spilak and Flecha.

15:08:19 - Lead Increases...

The peloton is now 4'20" behind the 10 escapees.

15:09:31 - Average Speed For Third Hour

The average speed for the third hour is 38.0km/h. The average for the first three hours combined is 41.5km/h.

15:10:00 - Another Outfit For Pozzato...

Today the champion of Italy is wearing another version of the tricolore jersey. He has vertical red, white and green stripes on his Katusha outfit...

15:10:45 - Euskaltel Has Never Led The Tour...

At the moment, Mikel Astarloza is the virtual leader of the Tour. He was 3'02" behind Nocentini at the start of the stage. The rider who finished ninth overall in 2007 is now part of the escape group that's 4'40" ahead of the peloton (at 125km). No rider from his Euskaltel-Euskadi team has ever worn the yellow jersey before...

15:14:50 - Leaders 5km From Col des Mosses Summit

The 10 escapees are 5km from the top of the fifth climb with an advantage of 4'30".

15:19:00 - Lead Drops To 4'05"

With the peloton 5km from the top of the Col des Mosses, it is 4'05" behind Van den Broeck, Cancellara, Hesjedal, Astarloza, Gutierrez, Moncoutie, Moinard, Fedrigo, Spilak and Flecha. The maximum gain of the escape so far today was 4'40" at the 125km mark.

15:23:24 - Popovych Arrives With Drinks For Colleagues

The Astana team has been in charge of the peloton since the escape group forged an advantage. Popovych has just arrived at the front with a jersey full of bottles and is now passing them to his team-mates who are slowly but surely reeling in the 10 escapees. The latest check has Astarloza's group ahead of 3'45".

15:27:32 - Moncoutie: No Fond Memories Of Col des Mosses...

One of the two Cofidis riders in the lead group today, David Moncoutie, had a terrible crash on the descent of the Col des Mosses during the 2007 Tour de Romandie. The Frenchman broke his leg in the accident but the conditions were a complete contrast today. Over two and a half years ago, the stage was contested in pouring rain but today there is bright sunshine on the race.

15:30:37 - Leaders At Summit

The escapees have reached the top of the Col des Mosses. We await confirmation of the places of riders before posting the results.

15:31:25 - Result Of Col des Mosses

The points of the fifth climb in stage 15 (at 135km) were won by:

1. Pierrick Fedrigo (BBO) 10pts

2. Mikel Astarloza (EUS) 9pts

3. Jurgen van den Broeck (SIL) 8pts

4. David Moncoutie (COF) 7pts

5. Amael Moinard (COF) 6pts

6. Jose Ivan Gutierrez (GCE) 5pts

15:33:09 - Peloton At Summit

The peloton has raced over the top of the Col des Mosses, 3'25" behind the 10 escapees. There were no attacks - either from the lead group or peloton - on this ascent.

15:34:01 - Liquigas Send Riders Forward

There are three riders from the Liquigas team now at the head of the peloton as it begins the descent of the col des Mosses.

15:35:46 - Cancellara Attacks Descent

Cancellara has a lead of 7" on the other escapees after going on an attack during the descent of the col des Mosses.

15:39:50 - Comments From Cofifis

“For now, the Astana team is maintaining a reasonable gap and its riders are careful to protect themselves from the challenge by Astarloza,” said the directeur sportif of the Cofidis team, Francis Van Londersele when contacted by LeTour.fr recently. “We also that the race will be very fast in the valley leading to the final climb. Hopefully the leaders can resist the chase by the peloton. If Moinard and Moncoutie are still at the front at the base of the Verbier climb, we will try to take advantage of the situation. In this case Amael can be a very useful ally for David.”

15:41:35 - Cancellara Caught

The brief stint in the lead by Cancellara is now over. He has been caught by the nine other escapees.

15:41:57 - Cancellara Tries Again...

Cancellara (SAX) has attacked the lead group for a second time. He is now 5" ahead of the nine other escapees.

15:43:02 - Cancellara Joined But Gutierrez

Gutierrez (GCE) has caught up with the Swiss champion and the two are now in the lead by about 10 seconds.

15:44:34 - 10 Together Again

The move by Cancellara and Gutierrez wasn't so much an attack. They just surged ahead of the other escapees who are now 3'40" ahead of the peloton and all together again on the descent.

15:46:22 - Liquigas & Astana Leading Peloton

There are two teams swapping off at the front of the peloton: Liquigas and Astana. They are 4'10" behind the 10 escapees.

15:51:33 - Lead Up To 4'15"

The peloton is 4'15" behind at the 154km mark. They are at the bottom of the descent and there are a little over 50km to go in the stage for the yellow jersey's peloton.

15:54:45 - Back To Maximum Advantage

The peloton is now 4'40" behind. This was the maximum gain of the 10 escapees (at 125km). Currently, the peloton is about 50km from the finish and three Liquigas riders are tapping out the tempo at the front of riders from the Astana squad.

15:59:17 - Details Of Final Climb

The final climb of the 15th stage is rated category-one. The top is at an altitude of 1,468m and it rises from the town of Vilette-le-Chable (198.7km - 810m high). The average gradient of the 8.8km long ascent is 7.5 percent. The steepest seconds are in the 2nd, 4th 7th and 8th kilometer (8.5 percent).

16:08:04 - Peloton Takes Back One Minute

At the 166km mark, the peloton is 3'40" behind the 10 escapees.

16:10:24 - Andy Schleck With Team Car

With Liquigas team setting the pace at the front, there is now a group of Saxo Bank riders at the rear of the peloton. Andy Schleck was alongside O'Grady and Voigt just recently but the champion of Luxembourg is now making his way back into the peloton that is 3'30" behind the escapees.

16:13:23 - Fedrigo & Spilak Working Most

Of the 10 in the lead, the most work is being done by Fedrigo (BBO) and Spilak (LAM) who have both spent 15 percent of the last 10 minutes at the front of the group that is now 33km from the finish.

16:15:33 - Astarloza No Longer Virtual Leader

With the peloton at the 175km mark, it is 2'55" behind the 10 escapees. The maximum gain was 4'40" but Mikel Astarloza is no longer the virtual leader of the Tour...

16:20:34 - Leaders At 2nd Intermediate Sprint

The 10 leaders are about to contest the sprint for points in Martigny (26.5km from the finish).

16:22:47 - Result Of 2nd Intermediate Sprint

The points for the sprint in Martigny were won by:

1. Amael Moinard (COF) 6pts

2. Jurgen van den Broeck (SIL) 4pts

3. David Moncoutie (COF) 2pts

16:23:56 - Liquigas Doing Most Work

In the last 10 minutes, the Liquigas team has spent 73 percent of the time at the front of the peloton; Astana is the only other team working at the front of the chase group.

The leaders are now less than 25km from the finish of the stage.

16:24:58 - Here Comes Milram

The Milram team is forming a train that's now coming up to the front of the peloton on the right side of the Liquigas squad.

16:25:46 - Peloton At 3'10"

As it passes through Martigny, the peloton is 3'10" behind Van den Broeck, Cancellara, Hesjedal, Astarloza, Gutierrez, Moncoutie, Moinard, Fedrigo, Spilak and Flecha.

16:27:06 - Liquigas, Astana, Milram & Saxo Bank

On the approach to the final climb, the peloton (25km from the finish) the head of the peloton is dominated by four teams: Liquigas (which has been doing the most work since the top of the Col des Mosses), Astana, Milram and Saxo Bank. The yellow jersey can still be seen near the head of the bunch that's 2'55" behind the 10 escapees.

16:28:57 - Spilak Attacks

The lead group has been attacked by Spilak of the Lampre team.

16:30:55 - Spilak's Attack: 22km From Finish

Spilak has opened up a lead of about 200m on the other escapees. He began his move with 22km to go.

16:31:45 - Spilak Leads By 15"

Spilak's advantage on the nine other escapees is 15".

16:32:38 - Spilak 20km From Finish

Lampre's Simon Spilak is now 20km from the finish. His advantage on Van den Broeck, Cancellara, Hesjedal, Astarloza, Gutierrez, Moncoutie, Moinard, Fedrigo and Flecha is 20".

16:33:49 - Peloton At 2'35"

The Liquigas-led peloton is now just 2'35" behind the stage leader, Spilak. The nine other escapees are 35" behind the Lampre rider.

16:35:28 - Peloton 20km From Finish

The peloton passed under the 20km to go banner, 2'35" behind Spilak. Three Liquigas riders have been setting the pace of the peloton for the past 15 minutes.

16:36:37 - Spilak 15km From Finish

The stage leader is now inside the final 15km. He has is 38" ahead of Van den Broeck, Cancellara, Hesjedal, Astarloza, Gutierrez, Moncoutie, Moinard, Fedrigo and Flecha.

16:38:03 - Spilak Increases Advantage

Spilak's move came 22km from the finish. He is now about 8km from the foot of the final climb with a lead of 40" on his nine former escape companions.

16:39:52 - Contador Leading Armstrong...

Near the head of the peloton, Contador is sitting ahead of Armstrong on the approach to the final climb.

16:40:59 - Peloton 1'20" Behind Astarloza

The nine are 1'00" behind Spilak with 15km to go; and the yellow jersey's peloton is 1'20" behind the group containing Mikel Astarloza and Cancellara.

16:42:19 - Astarloza Attacks

Astarloza has attacked the nine-man chase gorup with 14km to go in the stage.

16:43:16 - Hesjedal & VDB Chasing Astarloza

Hesjedal and van den Broeck are in pursuit of Astarloza.

16:44:28 - Van den Broeck Catches Astarloza

Spilak is now over a minute ahead of two riders: Astarloza and van den Broeck. The peloton is at 2'20"...

16:45:27 - Milram Leading Peloton

There are four riders from the Milram team now at the front of the peloton that has just dropped Hushovd and a bunch of other riders including Cavendish.

16:46:10 - 2'00" Between Leader & Peloton

Spilak is still on his own at the front of the stage. He is about to be joined by Astarloza and van den Broeck; the peloton is 2'00" behind.

16:47:00 - 10km To Go

Spilak has 10km to go in the stage. As he reaches that point, the Garmin team has come to the front of the peloton. They are 1'45" behind the stage leader.

16:48:14 - Cancellara Joins First Chase Group

Cancellara and Fedrigo have caught up with van den Broeck and Astarloza with 10km to go in the stage.

16:49:13 - Sitaution With 10km To Go

With 10km to go, Spilak led Cancellara, Astarloza, van den Broeck and Fedrigo by 40".

Hesjedal was at 50".

Moncoutie and the rest of the escape group was at 1'05".

16:50:42 - Garmin Lead Peloton

There are three Garmin riders at the front of the peloton. Just behind are five Saxo Bank riders just ahead of the Astana team.

16:51:32 - Moncoutie Caught

As the peloton arrives at the base of the final ascent, it is being controlled by Voigt (SAX). They have caught Moncoutie and remnants of the early escape group.

16:52:18 - Peloton 1'00" Behind At Base Of Climb

At the foot of the final climb, Spilak leads the peloton by 1'00". Pellizotti has been dropped by the yellow jersey's group.

16:53:04 - Voigt Peels Off...

Sorensen is now driving the peloton. Voigt is finished doing his charge and the bunch is just 38" behind Spilak.

16:53:42 - Peloton 30" Behind Spilak

Spilak is just holding on to the lead. Cancellara is now with the yellow jersey.

16:54:25 - Hincapie Dropped!

The rider in second overall has been dropped by the yellow jersey's peloton that's now being paced by Cancellara who is now in pursuit of Astarloza, VDB and Fedrigo.

16:55:10 - Yellow Jersey Dropped

Nocentini and Sastre are the latest victims of the furious pace of the peloton.

16:55:35 - Spilak Only Rider Ahead Of Peloton

Only Spilak remains ahead of the peloton that is being driven by Cancellara. All the other early escapees have been caught.

16:56:17 - The Main Chase Group...

Evans, VDB, Armstrong, Contador, Kloden, A. Schleck, Cancellara, F. Schleck, Vande Velde, Wiggins, Astarloza, Kreuziger, Nibali... are the riders in pursuit of Spilak.

16:57:30 - Contadro Attacks!

Contador has attacked. No one has been able to respond but Andy Schleck is the one who is trying to reel in the 2007 Tour champion.

16:58:12 - Kloden Leads Armstrong

Kloden has come ahead of Armstrong who is leading Wiggins, Frank Schleck... and Kreuziger. Evans is also in the Armstrong group.

16:59:24 - Andy Chasing Alberto

Andy Schleck was the only rider to try and respond to Contador. We have no news on where Spilak is. Contador leads Andy by 10"... and Nibali, Armstrong, Wiggins, Evans, Kreuziger and a few others by 30"...

17:00:47 - Vande Velde Joins Armstrong's Group

Kloden, Armstrong, Evans, Wiggins, Vande Velde, Nibali, Frank Schleck are the riders in pursuit of Contador who is now 4km from the finish.

17:01:41 - Vande Velde Dropped

Vande Velde has just been caught by Sastre who is about to join the Armstrong group.

17:02:11 - Armstrong's Group 40" Behind Contador

Contador leads the Armstrong group by 40" with 4km to go. In between is Andy Schleck.

17:02:55 - The Armstong Group

Kloden, Armstrong, Evans, Nibali, Kreuziger, Sastre, Wiggins and Frank Schleck are the riders in the second chase group.

17:03:32 - Wiggins Attacks

Wiggins has attacked the Armstrong group which is now just over 3km from the finish of the stage. Kreuziger has been dropped.

17:04:28 - Frank Attacks

Frank has attacked the Armstrong group just as it caught Wiggins. Schleck is 45" behind Contador with 3km to go.

17:05:24 - The Armstrong Group

Kloden, Armstrong, Nibali, Evans, Sastre and Wiggins are 1'01" behind Contador.

17:06:31 - Andy Chasing Alberto Still...

Andy Schleck is the second rider in the stage. He is 35" behind Contador who is destined to win the stage. They have less than 2km to race.

17:08:08 - Wiggins With Nibali & Frank

Wiggins, Nibabli and Frank Schleck are 55" from Contador with 2km to go.

17:08:53 - Armstrong Dropped

Sastre has accelerated ahead of the Armstrong group. It has prompted Evans to also attack.

17:09:22 - 'Flamme Rouge' For Contador

Contador has one kilometer to race. He is going to win the stage and take the yellow jersey. He has a lead of 40" on Andy Schleck then comes a group including Wiggins, Nibali and Frank Schleck.

17:10:37 - Contador About To Win His Third Stage

Contador won a stage in the year he took the title. He also was part of the team that claimed the fourth stage this year. He is about to take victory in Verbier and, with it, the yellow jersey.

17:11:56 - Victory For Contador!

As we've come to expect, Contador has fired an imaginary pistol as he crosses the line to claim victory in Verbier. He has beaten Andy Schleck by 43 seconds.

17:13:00 - Yellow Jersey To Contador

Alberto Contador has won the stage and taken the yellow jersey in Verbier.

17:13:34 - Armstrong 1'33" Behind Contador

There's no question about who the leader of the Astana team is: Contador beat Armstrong to the top of the final climb in stage 15 by about 1'33".

17:14:20 - The Top 10 In Stage 15

There will be a new leader of the Tour de France after the stage from Pontarlier to Verbier. The top 10 in the 15th stage is:

1. Alberto Contador (ESP) AST - 207.5kmin 5h03'58" (40.958km/h)

2. Andy Schleck (LUX) SAX at 43"

3. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) LIQ at 1'03"

4. Frank Schleck (LUX) SAX at 1'06"

5. Bradley Wiggins (GBR) GRM at 1'06"

6. Carlos Sastre (ESP) CTT at 1'06"

7. Cadel Evans (AUS) SIL at 1'26"

8. Andreas Kloden (GER) AST at 1'29"

9. Lance Armstrong (USA) AST at 1'35"

10. Kim Kirchen (LUX) THR at 1'55"

17:17:44 - New Top Five Overall

After the 15th stage, the top of the general classification is:

1. Alberto Contador

2. Lance Armstrong at 1'37"

3. Bradley Wiggins at 1'46"

4. Andreas Kloden at 2'17

5. Andy Schleck at 2'26"