Evans takes yellow as Piepoli wins Tour's 10th stage

HAUTACAM, France (AFP) — Title favourite Cadel Evans of Australia finally took possession of the Tour de France yellow jersey here Monday after a thrilling end to the 10th stage.

Italian Leonardo Piepoli of the Saunier Duval team won the 156km ride from Pau to here in the Pyrenees, which saw the collapse of several other favourites including Spaniard Alejandro Valverde.

Evans, who rides for Silence-Lotto, now leads Luxemburger Frank Schleck of the CSC team by one second with American Christian Vande Velde of Garmin in third at 38.

"I can't believe it now and I couldn't believe it on the podium," said Evans, who has arguably experienced the most dramatic 24 hours of his life.

"Yesterday was by far my Tour low and today it's definitely my Tour high. Only 26 hours have passed and it's been a bit of a rollercoaster."

The Australian's ...