Gerolsteiner satisfied

Gerolsteiner team boss Hans-Michael-Holczer reports himself as satisfied with his team's efforts yesterday. Best of the squad was Levi Leipheimer, 13th on the stage and now 6th overall. He heads into the final week just over a minute behind Francisco Mancebo of Illes Balears and, with a long time trial yet to come, can entertain realistic hopes of a top five finish in Paris.

"Levi is riding very well, he did what he could," said Holczer about yesterday's stage. "But he also has to recognise his limits."

Stage 14 winner Georg Totschnig had a tough day, finishing in the first autobus 36 minutes down. "Georg had to pay for his super performance on Saturday," said his team manager. "But that was to be expected."