Though Alberto Contador, Pierre Rolland and Andy Schleck all had gutsy rides on Stage 19, it was Australian Cadel Evans who takes the plaudits, as judged by Rupert Guinness.
"Cadel Evans once again answered the assault on his chances of winning the Tour de France when he led the chase of the most dangerous attack of the day by Alberto Conatdor (Saxo Bank-SunGard) and Andy Schleck (Leopard-Trek).
"Most important, he did after having to change bikes - a move in which he did not panic, despite the danger of losing time. Evans also showed with his confident ride up to Alpe d'Huez that he is now a leader who can be relied upon to be an assured presence in the peloton. That he was so effective yet calm under pressure the day after his magnificent chase in Stage 18 has been awe inspiring."
Judge: Rupert Guinness (Sydney Morning Herald)
IG Markets Pro Cycling Index Stats of the day:
Pierre Rolland today became only the second Frenchman to win on top of Alpe d'Huez in Tour history. The other was Bernard Hinault.
Samuel Sanchez is the first Spanish winner of the Polka Dot Jersey in the Tour de France since Domingo Perurena in 1974.
Marco Pantani, Lance Armstrong, Hennie Kuiper and Gianni Bugno have all won twice on Alpe d'Huez in the Tour de France.
The Alpe d'Huez has been used as a stage finish 26 times. The Dutch are the most successful on the climb, winning eight times.
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