France’s Gayant Wins by 11 Minutes to Take the Lead in Tour de France

Frenchman Martial Gayant of the Systeme U team won the 11th stage of the Tour de France bicycle race Saturday and moved into the overall lead, taking the yellow jersey from countryman Charles Mottet.

Gayant finished the 158-mile course from Poitiers to Chaumeil-les-Monedieres nearly 11 minutes ahead of the pack, which included Mottet.

It was at the 80-mile mark that Gayant, 24, made a break with Belgian Jan Nevens. They were joined 25 miles later by six riders, headed by Spaniard Laudelino Cubino and Kim Andersen of Denmark.

Gayant, who was 10 minutes 48 seconds behind Mottet after Friday’s stage, made his second break 17 miles from the finish.

Cubino trailed the leader by 38 seconds overall, with Andersen in third place, 1:38 behind.

Roberta Bonanomi of Italy won the third stage of the women’s Tour de France, crossing the finish line 45 seconds in front and taking the overall lead.