Racing | Tour De France | Stage 6

17:55 CEST   

Ok, that's it for today's coverage. Thanks for joining us and we hope you are back tomorrow for more mountains. Still only cat 2's at most, as we continue through the Massif Central, but as we have seen today there are plenty of jerseys to exchange bodys.

A demain.

17:53 CEST   

A happy Riccò exclaimed after the stage: "Today was a great win. I beat a great champion." Riccò didn't want to go as far as comparing himself to Pantani. "Pantani is unique. He won the Tour and the Giro. I have not, but I hope to get better over time." He also discounted ambitions for the podium in Paris. "I just want to gain experience." His tip for the overall was for the man he beat today. "I think Valverde can win the Tour."

17:41 CEST   

Ricco stands atop the podium, next to the impressive figure of Bernard Hinault, who makes sure no protesters are coming anywhere close.

Next up is Kim Kirchen to receive the jersey. And of course the shake hands with the local celebrities and politicians.

The autobus comes in, 17'47 behind.

17:37 CEST   

Phew, that got a bit hectic there in the end. Schumcher looked to easily defend his jersey (there are not time bonuses). But the crash changed that. Kirchen would have liked to take over the lead in a different manner.

The polka dot changes to Chavanel. The green will go to Kirchen also. We will have to wait for the young rider classification for the moment.

17:34 CEST   

Schumacher crashed when the action started and everybody wanted get into a good position. By moving over to the barriers on the right, Kirchen crossed wheels with Schumacher. Schumacher said that "He surely didn't do that intentionally."

Schumacher should know, he got the final Eneco overall a couple of years ago when Hincapie crashed in the sprint after Schumacher had to swerve to avoid a spectator.

17:30 CEST   

Chavanel looks grim. But he is told he has the polka dot. And he is told he is allowed to smile now. He agrees!

17:29 CEST   

Andy Schleck lost close to a minute. Chavanel comes in four minutes later

17:28 CEST   

Ricco empties a bottle of water.

Schumacher said he touched the wheel of Kirchen. He sounded disappointed, but that's life. What a bad way to lose the jersey though.

17:26 CEST   

Kirchen takes over the yellow jersey!

17:26 CEST   

There is a small gap. Frank Schleck is fourth and Kirchen fifth