Cycling:Norway's Edvald Boasson-Hagen won his and Team Sky's second stage in the Tour de France with a fine solo effort in today's 179-km 17th stage from Gap to Pinerolo in Italy.
The Norwegian made amends for his second place to compatriot Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo) yesterday by winning today’s stage.
The 24-year-old from Lillehammer, who won stage six to Lisieux, attacked on the day’s final climb with 11km remaining.
Boasson Hagen reached the summit of the Cote de Pramartino with a lead of fewer than 20 seconds and fearlessly negotiated the 8km descent to win from Bauke Mollema (Rabobank), who was 40 seconds behind in second, with Sandy Casar (FDJ) third, 10 seconds further back.
"It's a great day, I really wanted to win this stage after finishing second yesterday, which was very frustrating," said Team Sky rider Boasson-Hagen.
France's Thomas Voeckler retained the Tour leader's yellow jersey but lost 27 seconds in the tricky descent towards the finish line when he missed a turn and ended up in a private car park.
Overall, Voeckler now leads Australia's Cadel Evans by one minute and 18 seconds and Luxembourg's Frank Schleck by 1:22.
Three-time Tour champion Alberto Contador again confirmed he was back in great shape after his attacks in the previous stage when he broke from the favourites peloton in the descent with compatriot Samuel Sanchez. The two Spaniards held a 20-second lead over the other Tour contenders before being reeled in the final stretch.
Ireland's Nicolas Roche came in 14th, four minutes behind Boasson-Hagen to be 21st overall (+14.06).
Tomorrow's 200.5-kms 18th stage to the Galibier is expected to be one of the most demanding in this Tour, with three classic ascents, Col d'Agnel, Izoard and the final climb.