TOUR DE FRANCE : Pensec Overtakes Bauer on Uphill Grind in Alps

The Tour de France changed leaders Tuesday for the first time since its start 11 days ago as riders completed the first stage through the Alps.

Ronan Pensec of France took the yellow jersey signifying the overall leader, and previous leader Steve Bauer of Canada fell to third place in the mountain passes. Bauer, who was ahead by 17 seconds at the start of the stage, led from the opening day.

Thierry Claveyrolet of France won Tuesday’s 73.5-mile stage that began in Geneva and ended on Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak.

The 10th stage was marked by three difficult climbs, including the final one to 4,600 feet. On that, Pensec broke away with a small group that included 1988 winner Pedro Delgado of Spain and 1989 winner Greg LeMond. Bauer lost contact with the main pack.

“When they attacked, they left me behind pretty quick,” Bauer said. “I looked and saw how far ahead they were, and I knew I would lose my yellow jersey.”

Pensec finished 16th, 2 minutes 29 seconds behind Claveyrolet, with Delgado seventh, 2:10 behind, and LeMond 10th, 2:29 behind. Bauer struggled home almost two minutes behind Pensec.

That put Pensec in the overall lead by 50 seconds over Claudio Chiappucci of Italy, with Bauer third, 1:21 behind. LeMond is eighth overall, 9:52 behind.

Cycling experts said LeMond still is in good position to challenge for this year’s championship. Felix Magowan, publisher of VeloNews, said LeMond, Delgado and Raul Alcala of Mexico have the best chances to win.

“There is most definitely time left in the race for LeMond to challenge,” Magowan said. “Alcala on paper is the favorite. But he doesn’t have the experience of leading a major international tour.”

Magowan said LeMond has an advantage because his “Z” teammate, Pensec, is racing well. LeMond is obligated to work for Pensec as long as the French rider holds the yellow jersey.

“There’s no problem between Ronan and me,” LeMond said.

If Pensec falters in the mountains, LeMond can take off after the leaders to improve his own place.

The leaders could change dramatically in today’s 11th leg, the most difficult of the 21 stages. Last year, LeMond lost his lead to Laurent Fignon of France on the tough climb up l’Alpe d’Huez and its 21 turns to the summit. He did not regain it again until the final day with a remarkable finish in Paris.

L’Alpe d’Huez is considered the world’s most famous climb, going from 200 feet to 6,000 feet in 14 kilometers.

“It’s also the most feared,” Magowan said.

But it is just one of three Level 1 climbs that competitors will encounter in today’s 113-mile stage.