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TdF 2010 Stage 12 graphics and previews are up!

Click the 'To' option to go to the start of the Stage 12 posts.

The Stage started at 12:05 local time CEST (6 hrs ahead of US EDT).

velonews.com - "Stage 12 courses through the Massif Central, winding on tiny back roads for most of the first 150km. The highest categorized climb of the day is the Cat. 2 Suc de Montivernoux at 4,500 feet elevation, but more important will be the final climb of the day, the Cat. 2 Croix-Neuve. This is the steepest hill of the entire Tour, rising up for 3.1km at 10 percent, with 14-percent pitches on its three switchbacks. In 2005, Ivan Basso made a fierce attack out of the main group (a group of 10 finished more than 25 minutes ahead) on the final climb, followed by Armstrong, Ullrich and Evans. All four finished together, with Evans taking the sprint for 11th. "

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11:49 - Classification Review: Part 01 – Yellow Jersey

There was no change to the top order of the general classification after stage 11. It was a day for the sprinters although three opportunists did create the obligatory escape only to be left out front to cook in the heat before being eaten up by a peloton that was hungry for a bunch sprint. Saxo Bank kept Andy Schleck out of trouble and the Luxembourger insisted he had a “easy day”, as he needed to save himself for what’s to come today. Schleck leads Contador by 41”.

11:50 - Classification Review: Part 02 – Green Jersey

Alessandro Petacchi (LAM) is back in the green jersey that he first claimed with his victory in stage two (after winning stage one). He dropped to seventh in the points classification for just one day – after stage three – but since then he’s been nipping at the heals of Thor Hushovd who has worn the green jersey since his stage win in Wallers Arenberg. Petacchi’s tally is 161 points, four more than Hushovd, while McEwen – fifth yesterday – is third with 138pts. Cavendish is fourth with 132pts.

12:00 - Classification Review: Part 03 – Polka-Dot Jersey

Jérôme Pineau (QST) risks losing his lead in the climbing classification on a day which includes five categorized climbs. Points for the polka-dot jersey will be awarded in Saint-Barthelemy-le-Plain (cat-3 at 31km), col des Nonieres (cat-3 at 59km), Suc de Montivernoux (cat-2 and 96km), La Mouline (cat-3 at 133km) and the final slog up the cat-2 la Croix Neuve climb near the finish. The final ascent will have double points. Pineau leads Charteau 92pts to 90 while Moreau is third with 62pts.