Australian Crashes, but Wins First Stage

Jul 09, 09:35 AM

Current Headlines: By JAMEY KEATEN

By Jamey Keaten

The Associated Press

CANTERBURY, England

Lance Armstrong knew a thing or two about bouncing back from a crash to win a Tour de France stage.

On Sunday, Robbie McEwen - bruised and aching after tumbling over his handlebars - showed he does, too. The Australian sprinter won the first stage of cycling's premier event with a display of grit.

McEwen was timed in 4 hours, 39 minutes, 1 second for the mostly flat 126-mile ride to Canterbury from London, where the Tour began Saturday with a time-trial prologue. Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara kept the overall lead.

With 12 miles to go, McEwen was forced to brake because of riders ahead. He was hit from behind by a cyclist and sent sprawling to the road.

Pressing on despite a sore right wrist and cuts on his right knee, McEwen was escorted by his Predictor Lotto teammates through the final yards.

This was the 12th stage victory on the Tour for McEwen, who was followed by Thor Hushovd of Norway in second place and Tom Boonen of Belgium in third.

McEwen tied Germany's Erik Zabel for the most stage victories among current riders. But they're well short of the career mark of 34 by Eddy Merckx. Armstrong won 22.

update

SUNDAY: STAGE 1

Australia's Robbie McEwen won, completing the 126-mile flat stage from London to Canterbury in 4 hours, 39 minutes and 1 second.

WHO'S WEARING YELLOW?

Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara retained the overall lead and the yellow jersey. Germany's Andreas Kloeden is in second, while Britain's David Millar is third.

TODAY: STAGE 2

The second stage will be the first in France, but it won't stay there for long. Starting in Dunkirk, it takes riders on a 104.7- mile route to Ghent, Belgium.

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