Saunier Duval very happy with De La Fuente, extends contract

David De LaFuente (Saunier Duval-Prodir) (Image credit: Jon Devich)

By Shane Stokes

Although Saunier Duval climbing specialist Gilberto Simoni lost 4 minutes and 10 seconds in finishing 18th on Thursday's big mountain stage of the Tour de France, the Spanish team were nevertheless very happy with the day. David De La Fuente impressed greatly, being involved in a long-distance breakaway and only being caught inside the final 30 kilometres. He earned the award for the most combative rider and, more importantly, was first over the Hors Categorie Col du Tourmalet plus the first cat Col De Peyresourde and Col Du Portillon.

This, together with the points gathered via his second place on the Col d'Aspin, ensured that the 25 year old is now the clear leader in the mountains classification. He has 80 points, 18 more than previous leader Cyril Dessel (AG2R-Prevoyance) and a further one up on his breakaway companion of the day, Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner). Last year's winner Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) is back in 4th with 49 points and may find himself sacrificing his KOM chances in order to help Denis Menchov challenge for the yellow jersey.