Updated at 6:30 a.m., Saturday, July 21, 2007
Cycling: Vinokourov wins 13th stage time trial
Associated Press
ALBI, France — Alexandre Vinokourov won the 13th stage time trial today in the Tour de France, and Michael Rasmussen of Denmark retained the overall lead.The Kazakh rider clocked 1 hour, 6 minutes, 35 seconds for the 33.6-mile race against the clock in and around Albi as he bids to return to the title chase.
Vinokourov, who has been nursing knee pain after a crash in the fifth stage, topped Cadel Evans of Australia in second, 1:14 back, and Andreas Kloeden of Germany in third, 1:39 back.
"I gave everything. I'm happy with my performance," said the Kazakh rider, who came into the stage trailing Rasmussen by 8:05.
The roads were slick from rain. Several riders crashed, including Vinokourov's Astana teammates Kloeden and Andrey Kashechkin, who each crossed the finish line with skinned-up hips.
Rasmussen, not known for being strong in time trials, defended his yellow jersey. He even overtook Alejandro Valverde, who began the day in second, 2:35 behind, and had started the time trial three minutes before Rasmussen.
