Cycling/Tour de France

Haussler survives rain to win 13th stage

Article published on the 2009-07-17 Latest update 2009-07-17 18:03 TU

The pack of riders cycles past a spectator with a giant syringe during the 13th stage of the Tour de France Friday.
(Photo: Reuters)

Australian-born German cyclist Heinrich Haussler won his maiden Tour de France stage Friday as rainy conditions dampened an anticipated battle for the yellow jersey.

Haussler was part of an early breakaway on the 200-kilometre stage from Vittel to Colmar in the hilly Vosges region before he went off on his own with two climbs still to negotiate.

After coming over the summit of the Col du Platzerwasel in the company of Sylvain Chavanel, the Cervelo team rider quickly opened a gap on the Frenchman during the descent.

He crossed the finish line to hand his Cervelo team their second stage win after Thor Hushovd's victory in Barcelona. "I don't really know what to say. This is such a big day for me," said Haussler.

Spaniard Amets Txurruka of the Euskaltel team was second, at just over four minutes behind, while Frenchman Brice Feillu of Agritubel was third at 6:13.

Current yellow jersey wearer Rinaldo Nocentini, arrived 6min 43sec behind Haussler.Nocentini, who has now spent a week in the race lead, still has a six and eight second lead on Astana's race favourites Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong.

With Saturday's 14th stage set for a possible sprint finish, or a successful breakaway, the yellow jersey battle could now resume on Sunday's 207.5km 15th stage from Pontarlier to Verbier in Switzerland.