MENCHOV WINS BIG STAGE, LANDIS IN YELLOW

Denis Menchov wins stage 11 2006

Russia's Denis Menchov (Rabobank) won the big mountain stage in the Pyrenees to Val d'Aran on Thursday as Floyd Landis (Phonak) snatched the yellow jersey and the real overall contenders finally emerged.

Menchov went clear with Landis and Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) near the top of the climb to the finish and then powerfully won the sprint to take his first Tour stage success. Leipheimer is no longer an overall contender after losing six minutes in the time trial and was angry with himself for missing out an a prestigious stage victory. Landis finished third and was happy to have taken the yellow jersey and gained time on many of his rivals.

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