Whilst Thomas Voeckler took first place on yesterday’s Stage 16 of the Tour de France (197km, Pau – Bagnères-de-Luchon) and Sky’s Bradley Wiggins maintained his lead for a staggering 10th day in yellow, there was less to celebrate for reigning champion Cadel Evans. The 35-year-old started the day 3’19” behind Wiggins but after clearly struggling on the climbs – finally losing sight of the front on the Col de Peyresourde some 20km from the finish line – he ended it more than 8 minutes adrift, effectively ending any chance of him retaining his title. The BMC rider reported that he had been suffering stomach problems before the day’s event, saying afterwards, ‘I didn’t think it would affect me in the race but obviously that’s not my normal level and it’s pretty much the Tour de France over for me.’
