Gianpolo Mondini of the Cantina Tollo team won the 18th stage of the Tour de France from Jonzac to Futuroscope yesterday, completing the 184.5km ride in 4 hours 17 minutes 43 seconds.
Italian Mondini attacked in the final four kilometres after emerging at the head of a 13-man breakaway which detached itself from the peloton, led by Australia's Robbie McEwen, with 50km to race.
Lance Armstrong comfortably retained the leader's yellow jersey after a stage raced largely on the flat save for one fourth category climb. He still leads Spain's Kelme rider Fernando Escartin by six minutes 15 seconds with Swiss star Alex Zulle of Banesto third at seven minutes 28 seconds.
All three challengers for the overall crown finished together at the line more than three minutes off the pace.
Armstrong is now almost assured of the overall win as he excels at the time-trial which will comprise the 57km penultimate stage today before the caravan heads for Paris and the finish parade on the Champs Elysees.
Mondini was delighted to score his maiden stage win.
"At 10km out I asked myself what was the best moment to attack. I thought I'd wait for the sprint but circumstances dictated I should go for it 4km out. There was a sidewind and (Frederic) Bessy, who was behind me, seemed tired. That was the time to go," said the Italian.
