Today was a first at the Tour de France. Today marked the first time a rider from South Africa won a stage. Robert Hunter won the 113 mile sprint from Marseille to Montpellier.

Christophe Moreau was the biggest loser in todays stage. Moreau was involved in a nasty crash that left his uniform shredded on the left side of his body. This crash, just another among the many having occurred thus far.

Team Discovery rider Levi Leipheimer remains in seventh place, some 3:53 behind the tour leader.

Tour Leader: Michael Rasmussen

A long awaited celebration happened at the Tour.

Cedric Vasseur, who is planning to retire at the end of the year, claims victory in Stage 10. Vasseur won the stage by out-sprinting a group of four others to the finish line of the 142.6 mile stage. Vasseur seemed to surprise the other riders as he made his charge to the finish line.

“I think I can leave cycling with my head held high. I am happy to offer France the first win on the Tour.” -said Vasseur

Tour Leader: Michael Rasmussen

Seems the Lance and Floyd showdown is on. Both riders are appearing and racing at the Leadville 100 says race organizer Ken Chlouber.

“It’s going to be a gunfight on bicycles” says Chlouber

Last time we saw these two together was at the Tour de France. With these guys winning the combined last eight Tours, this should be for some interesting riding. Both riders are coming to the event with full intentions of winning and knowing the competitive nature of these guys, it’ll be a battle.

As for the course, it’s a tough ride. Elevations are over 10,000 feet where the race will begin and wind it’s way up to an altitude of over 12,000 feet as the racers battle the mountains.

The race is scheduled to take place on August 11, 2007.

Team Discovery riders Yaroslav Popovych and Vladimir Gusev attacked on the harshest day of riding in the Alps during Stage 9 of the Tour.

Seemed the Discovery Channel team decided it was time to make their move. While Popovych and Gusev attacked early on, Alberto Contador rode back in the peloton until time to break free and join the others with hopes of winning the last ride through the Alps. Team Discovery gave it great run, but fell slightly short after what ended up being a fantastic finish to the stage. Contador finished fourth in the stage.

The stage was won by Mauricio Soler, who had a great individual effort.

In what was one of the more bizarre events of the Tour, Marcus Burghardt of the T-Mobile team, hit a spectators dog during the race that had wondered onto the road. Burghardt was thrown from his bike as the wheel seemed to buckle from the dog. Burghardt got back on his bike and did not appear hurt.

Tour Leader: Michael Rasmussen