Italian Captures Stage but Riis Still Leads
VILLENEUVE, France — Italy’s Massimo Podenzana pulled away in the final stretch Monday to win the 15th stage of the Tour de France, while Denmark’s Bjarne Riis retained the overall lead.
Six riders broke early and held the lead throughout the hot day on the 109-mile leg from Brive-la-Gaillarde.
Two-time Italian national champion Podenzana sprinted in the final three miles to win his first Tour stage. He finished ahead of Giuseppe Guerini of Italy and Peter Van Petergem of Belgium.
The overall leaders rode slowly through the rolling stage, finishing 5 minutes 37 seconds behind Podenzana. Five-time defending champion Miguel Indurain finished with the main group of riders, and remains in eighth overall, 4:38 behind.
Riis has led since taking the yellow jersey July 8 in a weather-shortened stage through the French Alps.
The 2,418-mile Tour continues today with a 123-mile leg from Agen to Lourdes-Hautacam.
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