Everything yet to race for in open Tour

Nine days of racing completed, twelve to go. As the riders take a breather on the first rest day of the 2007 Tour, Cyclingnews' Shane Stokes takes a look at what has happened thus far.

The suspense builds. After over a week of competition, the 2007 Tour de France is very much a wide-open affair. There have been three race leaders since the Tour start in London last Saturday week, but a clear picture has yet to emerge as to who will be the definitive contenders for the final yellow jersey of the race.

For now, Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) is firmly wrapped up in the maillot jaune, following a trademark long-distance attack across the Alps which also netted him the stage win plus the lead in the King of the Mountains classification. However, by his own admission, the Dane is no time triallist and so he will need to get considerably more time in the remaining uphill stages if he is to stand a chance of winning the Tour overall.

For the full rest-day wrap up, click here.