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.
Of the 18 men in the lead of stage 12, four have previously won at least one stage of the Tour de France. They are: Alexandre Vinokourov (a winner in Gap in 2003, and twice a stage winner in 2007 - although he would later lose them because bad blood was found in his system), Sandy Casar (who has won at the Tour in 2007, 2009 and earlier this year), and Thor Hushovd (who has won eight times at the Tour, including stage three this year).