96th Tour de France - Live Part 3
Cervélo TestTeam's Young Gun on the attack on the final climb of the day with six minutes on the chase... can he finish solo for the win in Colmar?

Tour de France 2009
Stage 13 Vittel - Colmar 200 km,
Friday 17th July 2009
Live Ticker PART THREE

phic © 2009 tour de France/ASO
Welcome to part 2 of today's Ticker
Current Race situation:
1633 CEST - 30km to go
Haussler is well clear here. He's 56 seconds on Chavanel with 4 minutes ahead of the main chasers and 6'34 on the peloton. There is no power to chase him down and the peloton won't chase him down. He's starting the Col du Firstplan. Results of the Col du Bannstein: 1. Haussler (4pts), 2. Chavanel (3pts), 3. Txurruka (2pts), 4. Feillu (1pt)

Reporting by Chris Graetz

1641 CEST - 29km to go
Haussler has 1'09 on Chavanel now as he prepares the final climb of the day. The chasers are still over 4 minutes behind the peloton 6 minutes behind. This is Haussler's stage to lose. He needs to do a long time trial here. Chavanel is struggling, although it looks like he might be getting back, but it's too late one would suggest. Unless Haussler hits the red on the climb,
he has this. Let's go Haussler. Go Aussie Go!

The peloton are now 7'18 as Haussler is looking fantastic on this climb. I think it's safe to say this is going to be a win to Haussler. His first Tour de France win!!

1646 CEST - 25km to go
It's a formality here for Haussler. He has 1'44 on Chavanel. The chasers are 4'32 behind and the peloton are a further 7'32 behind. This is going to be a famous win for the German born Australian.
4 km to go to the top of the climb. You can do it Heinrich. Hold on.

In the peloton there is a silence lotto rider at the front. Will Cadel try a move here today? Astana are keeping the tempo slow. They havn't chased the rider that has attacked. It's hard to see their riders in these raincoats. No point in burning matches at this point for the Astana crew.

Chavanel is really hurting here. He'll try again another day. Meanwhile, Txurruka is riding well with Feillu. That Silence Lotto rider that has attacked is Charlie Wegelius. The peloton are still holding him in sights.

Andy Schleck has a mechanical again. He's had a bike change. This is not the right time for him to get caught out but he'll be fine. He's being paced back in and he'll be in the field soon. But seriously, Andy's bikes are cursed here. Three riders are helping Schleck back in the peloton. He's about to catch up now.

1652 CEST - 23km to go
Haussler has 2'39 on Chavanel. The chasers are still 4'46 behind and the Peloton are 7'40 behind as Astana are starting to apply the pressure in the peloton.

Orange Warrior - Euskalte's Txurruka has launched an attack from the chase group. Venga Venga!! Feillu could almost be climbing into yellow tonight.

Haussler is still looking strong up the climb. I don't think he can't get caught from here. With 20.7km to go, he has a huge advantage. He'll descend well here and take the best win of his career. Ag2r now have moved to the front of the peloton to help control this race. If they are not careful, they could almost lose the yellow jersey here.

Haussler has now reached the top of the Col du Firstplan with 20 km to go, he has a nice descent and flat finish. He will be hurting, but he knows now that in 20km time he'll win. Txurruka is about to catch Chavanel and will probably take second place today.

1702 CEST - 18km to go
Txurruka has caught Chavanel who looks really spent today. Haussler has around 4 minutes on the man in orange with Feillu who could almost catch Chavanel himself soon. Txurruka has caught Chavanel who looks really spent today. Haussler has around 4 minutes on the man in orange with Feillu who could almost catch Chavanel himself soon.

The official time gap is 3'43 seconds between Haussler and Txurruka. Barring a major incident, Txurruka takes second place here. Cheer on the German-Australian Heinrich Haussler. He deserves this victory today.

GO HAUSSLER YOU BLOODY LEGEND. You can almost here the cheers in Australia and Germany now!

Haussler is cruising along now with still 3 minutes over Txurruka. Chavanel and Feillu are nearly 5 minutes behind wit hthe peloton 6'26 behind. The road is wet but it's not stopping this 25 year old German-Australian.

Results of the Col du Firstplan: 1. Haussler (20pts), 2. Txurruka (18pts), 3. Chavanel (16pts), 4. Feillu (14pts), 5. Pellizotti (12pts), 6 Nibali (10pts)

Both Haussler and Txurruka are riding without rain coats; it can be pretty cold and miserable with the rooster tail of water spraying your back as you race through the rain... though the level of exhilaration our two leaders have on chasing the win with the gaps they have it will be the last thing on their minds.

Txurruka is trying hard but he's still around 3 minutes behind Haussler. Feillu is looking good and Chavanel looks like he might have recovered somewhat. But it's too late. With 8km to go, Haussler owns this stage.

1714 CEST - 7km to go
Haussler currently has 3'53 on Txurruka, 4'10 on Chavanel, 4'55 on Feillu and 7'04 on the peloton. Haussler currently has 3'53 on Txurruka, 4'10 on Chavanel, 4'55 on Feillu and 7'04 on the peloton. How do we call the last 6km when we know the winner?

Saxo Bank and Astana are still leading the peloton putting a steady pace down.

6 km to go for Haussler. Cheer him on. He's nearly there correction before. i said Cervélo hasn't won a stage, they have with hushovd.

5 km to go, the crowds are cheering Haussler on and so am I. Go you Aussie! It's still raining and he's stormed home here.

4 km to go - the gaps are: Txurruka 4'12, Chavanel somewhere between him and Feillu who is 5'30 behind and the peloton 7'12. The yellow jersey is looking in a comfortable position. Nocentini holds yellow for yet another day. And again tomorrow more than likely. Good result for Ag2r holding that jersey for a week.

3 km to go, Haussler is a happy man. You can see it on his face. Behind the pain, behind the rain, he's a happy man. Feillu is about to catch Chavanel. Chavanel is hurting here!

2 km to go, Chavanel can't follow the wheel of Feillu. Courage Chavanel!! He is struggling big time here. The peloton could almost catch him

Haussler has 1km to go for the best victory of his very young career. Taking the corners slow and safe. In front of a massive crowd he has the victory here. He attacked and he did an awesome job at it.

Haussler is happy. He's just crossed the line and put him hands over his face and lifted his arms in a victory salute.

Heinrich Haussler Wins!!!

Two wins in the Volta Algarve, a win in Paris Nice and GP Triberg Schwarzwald doesn’t compare to a win in the Tour de France. Heinrich Haussler has now won the biggest race in his career spanning five years. The Australian-German has crossed the line in a taking it in a stunning solo performance.

He showed guts and courage today in horrible conditions and he has prevailed to give Cervelo Test Team their second win of the 2009 Tour de France after many second places.

Txurruka still has a few corners to negate before he crosses the line for second place. Txurruka just crossed the line 4'12 behind in second place. An honourable second place here for the man from Euskaltel - Euskadi. He rode well. He attacked on the last climb and caught Chavanel on the way who was part of the original break.

Brice Feillu crosses the line 6'12 behind. After a victory last weekend, this is an excellent third place for the Frenchman from Agritubel. Chavanel crosses the line 6'31 behind in fourth place with the peloton coming home 6'43 behind; the tough French rider of Quick Step was able to hold off the chase.

Unfortunately this victory doesn't' fall under Cycling Australia for Haussler. What a shame. But there are many Australian's, particulary in Inverell who will be cheering him on. Velits led the peloton home with Thor Hushovd claiming 6th place. Hushovd just might reclaim the green jersey a bonus for the Cervélo TestTeam.. what a day for the new team. Haussler was born and raised in the town of Inverell, New South Wales, Australia, before leaving for Germany in 1998 at age 14 to pursue a dream of being a professional cyclist. Haussler turned professional in 2005 and shot to prominence with a stage win in the 2005 Vuelta a España.

Stage 13 Results (top ten)
1. Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo) 4:56:26
2. Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel) 4'11
3. Brice Feillu (Agritubel) 6'13
4. Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) 6'31

5. Peter Velits (Milram) 6'43
6. Thor Hushovd (Cervelo) 6.43
7. Vladimir Efimkin (Ag2r) 6.43
8. Bradley Wiggins (Garmin Slipstream) 6'43
9. George Hincapie (Columbia HTC) 6'43
10. Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) 6'43

Overall Classification
1. Rinaldo Nocentini (Ag2r) 53:30:30
2. Alberto Contador (Astana) :06
3. Lance Armstrong (Astana) :08
4. Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream) :46
5. Andreas Kloden (Astana) :53
6. Tony Martin (Columbia) 1.00
7. Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Slipstream) 1.24
8. Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) 1.49
9. Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) 1.54
10. Luis Leon Sanchez (Caisse d'Epargne) 2.16

Thor Hushovd does reclaim the maillot vert of points leader. Hushovd did well to get back to the peloton after the climb and the 6th place gave him 15 points and he now leads Cavendish by 5.

Liquigas' Franco Pellizotti steps to the podium to accept the polka dot jersey leading Euskaltel's Egoi Martinez by 3 points. The next to arrive is Tony Martin claiming his umpteenth maillot Blanc as the best Young Gun in the tour.

Heinrich Haussler returns to receive his well deserved red bouquet and red dossard as the most combative rider of today's stage...

And finally our race leader for the 7th day, Ag2r la Mondiale's Rinaldo Nocentini slips into a new maillot jaune with the help of the tours lovely podium lasses.

At this point in the tour none of the above competitions and classifications are set in stone. Each is a race inside the race and the competition will be stiff for the leaders to keep the colored maillots on their backs.

Join us tomorrow for stage 14. With two Category 3 climbs half way through the stage and flat for 80 km, we should expect the sprinters teams to head to the front and go for their last win before Paris. The run in to Besancon should be a mass sprint finish. Columbia/HTC will be back on front tomorrow to see Cavendish has a shot at reclaiming the jersey to go with his green sunglasses.

Thanks for choosing the Daily Peloton for your coverage of the 2009 Tour de France. We hope you enjoyed the coverage and continue to do so.. Thanks to Nick Bull and Vaughn Trevi for joining me in the booth today. We'll be back with results, photos and team and rider reactions so stay tuneed.

Date: 7/17/2009

96th Tour de France - Stage 13 LIVE TICKER (Part 2)

96th Tour de France - Stage 13 Live Part 2 Tour de France 2009 Stage 13 Vittel – Colmar, 200 km Friday 17th July 2009 Live Ticker Part 2 phic © 2009 tour de France/ASO Welcome to part 2 of today's Ticker Current Race situation - Break of three: Sylvain Chavanel (Quick-Step), Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo) and Ruben Perez (Euskaltel) - Peloton at 8'15 Reporting by Chris Graetz, Nick Bull and Vaughn Trevi Up towards the top of the Schlucht, the 13 man chase group feature: Linus Gerdemann (Milram), Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank), Egoi Martinez (Euskaltel) and Sergio Paulinho (Astana) among others. David Millar appears to be in the Cancellara chase group. This could be handy for Wiggins and Vandevelde later on today. 1455 CEST - 95km to go. This chase group contains at least ten riders, though no-one a GC contender. Astana are pulling the pack along, unsurprisingly unhappy with a group of this size up the road who have a lead of around 30 seconds. Leading trio @ 6'34 to chase group, peloton @ 7'03" Brice Feillu (Agritubel) is trying to make a move. He has attacked from the chase group. Carlos Barredo (Quick Step) is trying to respond. With Agritubel ending their sponsorship at the end of the year, the Frenchman needs to find a team for 2010. He's French and increasingly popular - so Bouygues Bbbbbox could sign him. Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) had a crash on the climb. He's on his bike and riding away sporting a small cut on his left thigh. I'm sure many more will fall on this descent, and the remaining climbs Euskaltel-Euskadi are trying to lead out Martinez to take some points for fourth place. Pellizotti went with him. It's too close to call. Up in the break, Chavanel is taking it rather easily on this descent. There's a lot of standing water, and some lovely grass verges... Results of the Schlucht: 1. Ruben Perez (10pts), 2. Sylvain Chavanel (9pts), 3. Heinrich Haussler (8pts), 4. Egoi Martinez (7pts), 5. Franco Pellizotti (6pts), 6. Gorka Verdugo (5pts). I think the peloton are taking this seriously today. They now trail by 5'55. They made up over 3 minutes on that climb. 1509 CEST - Linus Gerdemann is in no man's land on the descent. If you're watching, children, don't try his descent style at home. Great Tour de France fashion styles #245 (in association with the Castorama 1991 Jersey): Gerdemann is sporting some bright yellow shoes along with his sheep-styled Milram jersey and a fetching rain cape. 1512 CEST - 80km to go. Puncture for Rogers (Columbia). A slightly slow change using a back wheel from the Mavic Service Car. Gerdemann is taking a lot of risks on a wet road. This man in crazy. It's good to see though. I like it. 1515 CEST - The joy for this breakaway group is that, having finished the descent of the Col de la Schlucht, within 10km, they are climbing the extremely difficult Platzerwasel. Remaining Climbs: 138.5 km Cat 1 Col du Platzerwasel (8.7 km /7.6 % max) 165.5 km Cat. 3 Col du Bannstein (2.1 km/5.1 % max) 179.5 km Cat 2 Col du Firstplan - (8.4 km/5.4 % max) The last intermediate sprint was contested at Luttenbach. The results: 1. Chavanel (6pts), 2. Haussler (4pts), 1. Perez (2pts) Nick says: The Chavenel group now lead Gerdemann by 5'44" and the peloton by 6'40" 1523 CEST - 73km to go. The lead group are on the lower slopes of the Platzerwasel climb, while the chaser has just passed through the Sprint at Luttenbach. Behind, the main group are enjoying the weather.... Why do so many teams have plain blue jackets? Makes our job so much harder. It's like identifying different types of mud. I mean, to me, they're all brown... 1528 CEST - 8km for Haussler, Chavanel and Perez to the summit of this climb. I've heard stories of some nasty insects that 'lurk' on this climb - perhaps ASO have planted some Bees nests to make the riders ride faster? This weather is taking me back to the 2001 Tour, when Javier Oxtoa won at the top of Lourdes - Hautacam. He won from a breakaway, while an American called Lance Armstrong took Yellow. 1535 CEST - Christophe Kene - who initiated the unsuccessful breakaway on the last climb - has attacked from the peloton again! Can't blame a man for trying! 1537 CEST - It's good to see Sylvain Chavanel in this lead group. Someone told me Quick Step were riding, but I didn't believe them. Haussler appears to be comfortable on this Col de Lederhosen despite his 6ft or so frame (180cm). 1540 CEST - Ruben Perez is dropping off the rear of the leading trio. 3 become 2.....and I think Haussler is next to drop off personally. Remember the German/Australian is more at home in the Sprints (*unless that Cavendish wallah isn't riding). I think he's one of those rare sprinters capable of climbing myself; much like Freire and of course who can forget Erik Zabel... and latterly Jalabert. 1544 CEST - 65km to go. Haussler and Chavenel lead the Astana-led main group by 6'02" Gerdemann is somewhere in the middle. Honest. Behind the mountain is making the selection as Ciolek, Eisel, Cavendish, Boonen, Hushovd - the Sprinters - are all in the groupetto, unsurprisingly. This group is often called the "laughing group" with the riders working together to limit their time loss sharing the work to come in under the time limit and avoid elimination. 1547 CEST - Team Saxo Bank take over at the front of the field. I still suspect an attack on Astana is coming today.Sergio Paulihno is there marking any such move. Contador, Armstrong, the two Schlecks, Evans, Kreuziger are all upfront. No sign of Wiggins or Menchov. The work by Chris Sorensen has caused havoc behind. I expected Bjarne Riis to make a tactical move today to test Astana and try to move Andy Schleck up the classifications; this could be the start of it. Menchov is in that second group and even trailing team mate Oscar Freire; Gerdemann is just seconds away from being caught by the peloton. 1551 CEST - Pellizotti accelerates from the front of the pack, but only seems to be positioning himself for the KoM points. 1552 CEST - 1km to the top of the climb for our two leaders. Pellizotti passes Gerdemann, whose breakaway attempted has failed. Euskatel now responding to Franco's move. However, it appears the Martinez is a long way off the main group. 1556 CEST - It's dark at the top of the Col de la Platzerwasel. Very dark. The leaders are working well, and Haussler doesn't contest the sprint for first. Over the summit with 3:54 the gap, but we'll have to see if that holds up when the yellow jersey group comes through. 1557 CEST - With Polka Dot jersey wearer Martinez distanced, Liquigas are pulling hard at the head of the group. Having been caught, Gerdemann has been distanced by the peloton. Txurruka and Astarloza (Euskatel) are trying to attack Pellizotti to weaken him for the sprint. Now Armstrong comes to the front of the 'GC' group. Show of force Armstrong and Contador climb side by side over the summit. Pellizotti takes the points over the climb (11pts), and so is one point behind Martinez in the KoM classification. That jersey may change hands tonight. 1600 CEST - 60km to go. 3'11" is the gap for our two leaders. One suspects they will be caught on the final climb. Contador, Armstrong, the Schleck's with Vande Velde lead the yellow jersey group... Nocentini's yellow helmet bobbing in the background. The leaders are weaving their way through massive crowds that part as they pass. What do you think the chances are that Nocentini can defend to be in the maillot jaune at the end of the stage Nick? I think he should be ok. The distance from the final climb to Colmar is enough for him to rejoin. Should he be dropped. And do Astana want the jersey yet? Not yet, says Chris, Astana. I tend to agree the Italian may get his 7th yellow jersey this afternoon. 1604 CEST - Txurruka has attacked ONCE again. I wish I had his energy levels - making it upstairs after two pints of Ale is hard enough at times. Chris: LLS will attack on the last climb and take the stage win. Nocentini stays in yellow The Peloton are 2'51" in arrears - they climb the Col de la Ullrichplatz four minutes quicker than our two leaders. Remaining climbs: 165.5 km Cat. 3 Col du Bannstein (2.1 km/5.1 % max) 179.5 km Cat 2 Col du Firstplan - (8.4 km/5.4 % max) 1607 CEST - Still th rain is pouring. Chapeau to those French spectators who braved the elements to see their heroes - and Lance - today. (Perhaps I shouldn't assume that all French fans embrace the opinions of L'Equipe....) Breaking News: Inigo Landaluze (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Ricardo Serrano (Fuji) have been provisionally suspended by the UCI after testing positive for the EPO derivative CERA. 1609 CEST - Txurruka has been joined by Brice Feillu, another aggressive rider in the 2009 Tour. 1610 CEST - Leaders and chase on the descent. The leaders have 2'36" in hand on our chasers, and 3'06" on the peloton. Advantage goes to our lead duo on the descent.. they will work to extend their gap. Riders are rejoining the chase group of thirty some on the downhill section. Results of the climb: 1. Chavanel (15pts), 2. Haussler (13pts), 3. Perez (11pts), 4. Pellizotti (9pts), 5. Astraloza (8pts), 6. Contador (7pts), 7. Armstrong (6pts), 8. Schleck (5pts) Haussler is flying down this descent. He is crazy. This duo have 2'42 on the chasers and 3'22 on the peloton. They have increased their lead on the descent. Can they be caught from here? Depends on what tactics teams employ on the final climb of the day. The sprinters will be having a hard day today in the groupetto. They have a chance for stage glory tomorrow with a relatively flat stage. Though after today's tough conditions, I can't see them having the legs tomorrow even though it's their last chance until Paris. Haussler is taking massive risks on the descent and they are pulling away. The two chasers led by Feillu is over a minute ahead of the peloton. Can they catch the front two? Probably not. The peloton are settling down. They are waiting for the next climb one would think. Pellizotti is looking comfortable in the peloton. I think Popovych has caught back onto the peloton. Haussler is doing 83% of the work in the lead group. That shows how serious he is taking this slippery descent. 1620 CEST - 44km to go, The gap to the chasers is 2.29. The peloton are 3'57 behind. Chavanel has lost touch with Haussler on the descent. No doubt he will probably come back to him. Chavanel is 20 seconds behind with the chasers at 2'28 and the peloton over 4 minutes behind. Chavanel knows he can climb better than Haussler. Even though the gap is 21 seconds, he should get back on duringthe 2 kilometer climb of the Col du Bannstein. 1626 CEST - 40km to go Chavanel is 21 seconds behind Haussler with Haussler 3'36 over the chasers and the peloton are 5'04 behind. For the G.C. leaders the main plays have to come on the Col du Firstplan's 8.4 kilometers; with only 20 km to the finish. Haussler is looking very comfortable on the bike. Who would have tipped Haussler for the win today? I know I didn't. Haussler is on the category 3 Col du Bannstein. This will be Chavanel's best chance to get back to him. The peloton are slipping further behind. Now 5'15. The chase group continues to grow as more riders catch on during the descent. 34 km to go, the gap is up to over 6 minutes for Haussler... a solo victory isn't out of picture at this point... the remaining climbs are neither too long nor steep for the talented young rider of Cervélo TestTeam. 1633 CEST - 30km to go Haussler is well clear here. He's 56 seconds on Chavanel with 4 minutes ahead of the main chasers and 6'34 on the peloton. There is no power to chase him down and the peloton won't chase him down. He's starting the Col du Firstplan. Results of the Col du Bannstein: 1. Haussler (4pts), 2. Chavanel (3pts), 3. Txurruka (2pts), 4. Feillu (1pt) 1641 CEST - 29km to go Haussler has 1'09 on Chavanel now as he prepares the final climb of the day. The chasers are still over 4 minutes behind the peloton 6 minutes behind. This is Haussler's stage to lose. He needs to do a long time trial here. Chavanel is struggling, although it looks like he might be getting back, but it's too late one would suggest. Unless Haussler hits the red on the climb, he has this. Let's go Haussler. Go Aussie Go!

Tour de France 2009
Stage 13 Vittel – Colmar, 200 km
Friday 17th July 2009
Live Ticker PART ONE

The first, and only, medium mountain stage on this year's route sees the riders enter the Vosges mountains for what could be a deceptively tough day. The climbing starts with the third category Côte de Xertigny, followed by 20 kms of descending before the road takes them upwards again at the 70km mark towards the Category 2 Col de la Schlucht. The climb proper doesn't start until 95kms in but it's an awkward 25km drag uphill to that point.

Next up is the 1193 metre high Col du Platzerwasel, a difficult Category 1 ascent, that, whilst short in comparison to Alpine climbs at 8.7km, has a leg testing average gradient of 7.6%. The stage then finishes off with two further climbs, the third category Col du Bannstein and the second category Col du Firstplan.

So that's five classified climbs then, among tough terrain, making this a difficult day. It is also a stage that will appeal to those aiming for the King of the Mountain's Polka Dot Jersey. Expect an attack from someone hoping to bag a bunch of KoM points before the really big climbs come into play.

Colmar WikipediaTM Fact(?): Colmar was the scene of the fantastically named Charles the Fat's Diet in 884. However, despite his name, this didn't mean Charles chose to lay off the chocolate cookies, Diet, in this context, meaning Assembly.

General Classification after Stage Twelve
1. Rinaldo Nocentini 48:27:21
2. Alberto Contador (Astana) @ 00‘06”
3. Lance Armstrong (Astana) @ 00‘08”

Points Classification after Stage Twelve
1. Mark Cavendish (Columbia - HTC) 200pts
2. Thor Hushovd (Cervelo) 190pts
3. Jose Joaquin Rojas (Caisse d’Epargne) 116pts

King of the Mountains Classification after Stage Twelve
1. Egoi Martinez (Eusklatel) 88pts
2. Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) 71pts
3. Christophe Kern (Cofidis) 59pts

Yong Riders Classifcation after Stage Twelve
1. Tony Martin (Columbia HTC) 48:28:21
2. Andy Schleck (Saxo-Bank) @ 00‘49”
3. Vicenzo Nibali (Liquigas) @ 00’54”

News from the startline

LEIPHEIMER OUT OF TOUR - The biggest news of the day was that Levi Leipheimer had to abandon the Tour de France with a broken wrist. Leipheimer crashed yesterday 2.5km from the finish with Cadel Evans also falling down. Unfortunately for Leipheimer scans revealed a transversal fracture of the scaphoid bone of the wrist. The experienced veteran from the United States was a pivotal team member to Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong. How does this affect Astana now? We will soon find out!
We wish Levi all the best for his recovery.

Live Coverage of Stage 13

Reporting by Chris Graetz

G'day and welcome to stage 13 of the 2009 Tour de France. Today's stage features an undulating course from Vittel to Colmar where the riders will take in reasonably big climbs. Will this be a day for the general classification or will a break take this again?

After a few transitional stages I would be disappointed if I didn't see some fireworks today from the teams of the following riders: Andy Schleck, Cadel Evans, Denis Menchov, Roman Kreuziger. It's clear, Astana are weakened now. Take advantage of it and take advantage of it today. Put some hurt in the Astana legs. See if you can take a few seconds back. Every second matters.

Before we start today's coverage I would like to thank you for all your E-Mails. I'm glad you're enjoying the Daily Peloton's coverage of the 2009 Tour de France.

I'm Chris Graetz and I'll be bringing you the coverage of stage 13.

1223 CEST - The riders are nearly through the neutral zone. The stage will be starting shortly.

Stage 13 Climbs
46 km: Cat. 3 Côte de Xertigny (2.0 km/ 5.3 % max)
105 km Cat. 2 Col de la Schlucht (8.9 km/4.2 % max)
138.5 km Cat 1 Col du Platzerwasel (8.7 km /7.6 % max)
165.5 km Cat. 3 Col du Bannstein (2.1 km/5.1 % max)
179.5 km Cat 2 Col du Firstplan - (8.4 km/5.4 % max)

1235 CEST - 195km to go
It's been attack central today with Moreau and Haussler trying to go out early. A group of 5, including Garate and Voigt counter attacked. Currently, we have 7 riders at the head of the field with 10 seconds on the peloton.

The seven that escaped are the 8km mark. They are: Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank), Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo), Ruben Perez (Euskaltel), Juan Manuel Garate (Rabobank), Rigoberto Uran (Caisse d'Epargne), Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) and Christophe Moreau (Agritubel). They have 15 seconds on the Ag2r led peloton.

1243 CEST - 187km to go
The septet have 30 seconds on the peloton which is now being led by the Liquigas and Lampre teams. I have a feeling this break may not get away.

Looks like I was wrong on that assumption. The break now have 45 seconds 15km into the stage.

1253 CEST - 178km to go
Liquigas, Lampre, Cofidis and Katusha are leading the peloton as the septep have 50 seconds. I think these teams wanted someone in the break today and missed the move. Will be interesting to see how the next 10km shape up.

1300 CEST - The escape doesn't seem to be getting much freedom at the moment. The gap is around 45 seconds, 27km into the stage. Moreau was the first rider that attacked today and made this escape happen. He might have plans for his KOM jersey assault today.

Silence Lotto have sent a few riders to the front now. The gap is now down to 40 seconds. This break's survival doesn't look good.

1310 CEST - 165km to go
It's raining at the moment as the escapees still struggle to get a solid lead. The peloton are keeping them close today. The break is still around 40 seconds.

1323 CEST - The results of the first of three intermediate sprints on todays stage at Xertigny: 1. Moreau (6pts), 2. Haussler (4pts), 1. Chavanel (2pts). They are 35 seconds ahead of the peloton which is keen not to let them get out too far.

There are two more intermediate sprints on todays course. The next is at Gerardmar 88km into the stage and the last is at Luttenbach 124km into the stage.

The septep are nearing the base of the first climb of the day, the Cote de Xertigny. They are 25 seconds ahead of the raging peloton.

Results of the first climb of the day: 1. Garate (4pts), 2. Perez (3pts), 2. Chavanel (2pts), 1. Moreau (1pt). They have 17 seconds on the peloton.

1332 CEST - 150km to go
The gap is now back out to 30 seconds as David Millar (Garmin Slipstream) tries to bridge the gap.

Haussler, Perez and Chavanel have attacked the break and now have an 18 second lead on the rest of the escapees who have a further 22 seconds on the peloton.

1350 CEST - 133km to go
New situation on the road. Haussler, Perez and Chavanel now lead by 1 minute. The original escapees have been caught.

Now this break has finally been formed, I'll acknowledge the three riders out front who are trying to go for stage honours.

Sylvain Chavanel (Quick-Step) is a solid experienced rider. Last year, he won his first Tour stage, claiming victory in stage 19. This year, he has had a solid win to his name, winning stage 3 in Paris-Nice in March. He has said during and before the Tour that he aims to repeat his performance of last year. Well, he's in a break today which could have a chance of survival. Can the 37 year old Frenchman achieve his goal today?

Euskaltel-Euskadi always show their colours in the mountains. Today, they have given freedom to Ruben Perez. The 27 year old Spaniard hasn't had a win this year, nor has he won a tour stage before. His best result came in the Ronde van Murcia claiming a 3rd and 2nd place on stages 1 and 2 respectively. Euskaltel have sent plenty of riders in the breakaways in the first 12 stages. Could today be the day that Perez can pick up a win?

1404 CEST - 125km to go
The peloton have let this trio go trailing them by 5 minutes.

Cervelo's Heinrich Haussler hasn't won a Tour de France stage before, but he has claimed victory in a Grand Tour stage in his career. This came back in 2005 in Stage 19 of the Vuelta Espana. Earlier this year, Haussler showed supreme consistency in the major races. In Paris Nice, he won stage 2. He followed that up with a 2nd place behind Cavendish in Milan-SanRemo and then another second in the Tour of Flanders behind Stijn Devolder. He also came 7th in Paris Roubaix. The 25 year old German-Australian will be keen to get back to that level. Earlier last month he came first in GP Triberg Schwarzwald and finished second and third respectively in the Neuseen Classics and the GP Kanton Aargau. Could he grab another victory today?

1412 CEST - 120km to go
The gap is now out to 6'30 as the peloton aren't concerned about the trio. The best placed rider in the General Classification is Heinrich Haussler in 105th position, 55 minutes behind.

Will the escape survive today or are we going to see some major action on the last two climbs of the day? We're set for an intriguing stage. Don't go away. The stage is going to get very interesting.

1418 CEST - 115km to go
This is the biggest gap we have seen all week. The trio now lead by 7'30. They are working well together. Looking at the three riders in the escape today, if they were to survive, you would have to give the edge to Perez who is the better climber. However, Chavanel can time trial and if he can get away on the final climb, he's going to be hard to peg back on the descent into Colmar.

1425 CEST - 111km to go
The gap is now out to 8'10 as they contested the second sprint of the day at Gerardmar. The results: 1. Perez (6pts), 2. Chavanel (4pts), 1. Haussler (2pts).

I am now joined in the ticker by Vaughn Trevi and Nick Bull. I have not yet decided whether or not I'll stop for the night or continue.

1431 CEST - 108km to go
The leading trio are now approaching the feed station at Xonrupt-Longemer. Soon after, they will tackle the next classified climb of the day, the Col de la Schlucht. This category 3 climb has an average gradient of 4.2% over 8.9km.

1440 CEST - 103km to go
The trio now have 8'58 over the main field as they start the climb. The rain is heavy out there today. Lance Armstrong is currently at the back of the peloton consulting his team car.

The last time a Tour de France stage finished in Colmar, back in stage 7 2001, Lauren Jalabert won the stage attacking from the breakaway on the final climb. Jens Voigt came second and claimed the yellow jersey.

Linus Gerdemann (Milram) is riding at the front of the peloton. He is looking comfortable on his bike. I have tipped him in for a win on Wednesday in stage 17 when he hits the area where he put his name on the map winning his first Tour de France stage in Le Grand-Bornand in 2007. On that occasion, he took the yellow jersey and even though he held it for a day, he showed himself as one of the next big talents.

1456 CEST - Christophe Kerne and Amets Txurruka are attacking out of the main field. They are trying to bridge a gap to a chase group that's forming Franco - eternal trier - Pellizotti is one of those in this group. And Powerhouse Cancellera (TM) is also there. Meanwhile at the back of the pack, a handful of riders are dropping off. Remember, this is just a 2nd Cat. climb - the tricky, narrow Col de Bratwurst is yet to come.