Bak survives toughest test in Avenir

Team CSC's Lars Bak was able to retain his yellow leader's jersey in the Tour de l'Avenir after a tough eighth stage today. The Danish champion even increased his overall lead as second placed Kai Reus (Rabobank) abandoned the race due to a crash. The stage was won by Bradley Wiggins of Crédit Agricole.

"It was only logical that it was up to us to take control of the race again today and our riders succeeded in doing just that," said DS Scott Sunderland on team-csc.com. "The first serious attack was launched already after 14 kilometres and the fast pace was set for the remainder of the stage. Lars is doing really well on the climbs and he carries the jersey with great authority. We're not out of the woods yet but it certainly looks promising at this point. Lars's team mates are highly motivated to help and with that kind of back up only a disaster would keep us not from triumphing in this race."