Vinokourov's support helped Astana cyclist to lead in Tour de France stage

Cyclist of Kazakhstan team Astana Maksim Iglinskiy said that Aleksanre Vinokourov's support helped him lead the 18th stage of Tour de France, the team's official website writes. “I was ahead of everyone and felt very well. During one of the descents sport director of our team Dmitriy Sedun said: “Vinokourov supports you.” It gave me an additional motivation and energy boost,” Iglinskiy said. “Yes, Vinokourov indeed was watching how well Maksim was cycling and called me several times and passed his words of support,” Sedun said. Kazakhstan cyclist was leading for tens of kilometers of the 18th stage of the Big Loop between Pinerolo and Galibier Serre-Chevalier. But in the last hill the group of cyclists that included Andy Schleck from Luxembourg reached him. For a long time Iglinskiy remained right behind Schleck. “I thought that Maksim will catch his breath while cycling behind Schleck and win the race,” the director of Astana said. But this never happened and a few kilometers before the finish Schleck managed to shake off Iglinskiy. Later another group of cyclists reached him and in the end he was only 11th. “I was too tired from all the adventures at this stage and could not keep cycling anymore,” the cyclist said. French cyclist Thomas Voeckler is still leading Tour de France in general classification. He is followed by Andy and Franch Schleck. Andrey Zeits is the best of Astana team being 1 hour 3 minutes and 32 seconds behind the leader. He is ranked 38th. 19th stage of the most prestigious race in the world will be held today, July 22, between Modane Valfréjus and Alpe-d’Huez.