Davis to keep trying

Liberty Seguros rider Allan Davis says that he will continue trying to win a stage all the way to Paris. The Australian sprinter was part of a large breakaway group which was clear for much of today's leg of the race, but missed out when the move split inside the final 50 kilometres. He ended the stage 3'14 down in tenth place.

"I was unlucky today but I feel very strong, and don't want to finish this Tour without achieving my goal of a stage win," he said.

Davis' teammate Alberto Contador had a tougher day in the saddle. He's had a cold since the rest day and so has been unable to achieve his goal of slipping into breaks. He was also involved in a crash today, but was able to reach the finish as part of the main peloton.

Tomorrow is a special day for the team as the race returns to Mende, ten years after their previous incarnation, ONCE, threw down the gauntlet to Miguel Indurain and won the stage with Laurent Jalabert.