The Sidelines : Mexico Cyclist Alcala Wins 3rd Leg

Raul Alcala became the first Mexican to win a stage of the Tour de France as he captured the third leg today as Portugal’s Acacio da Silva retained the leader’s yellow jersey.

The 25-year-old Alcala, competing in his fourth Tour de France, started his professional career at the world’s most famous cycling race in 1986. He was timed in 6 hours, 34 minutes, 7 seconds for the 150-mile leg. The race started in Luxembourg, the site of the prologue and first two stages over the weekend, and ended in Belgium on the course of the Formula One track in Spa-Francorchamps.

Alcala led a group of five cyclists that broke away from the main pack with about 25 miles to go on the relatively flat section that included just two moderate climbs. Jesper Skibby of Denmark and Patrick Tolhoek of Belgium were second and third, both about five seconds behind Alcala.

Da Silva retained the yellow jersey as most of the racers did not want to make any strenuous efforts after four races in three days. Da Silva was 11th in the forefront of the pack that finished about 50 seconds behind the winner.