Richard Wins Stage; Riis in Control

Pascal Richard of Switzerland won Friday’s 12th stage of cycling’s Tour de France, but Bjarne Riis of Denmark stayed firmly in command.

Richard came out best of a nine-strong group that pulled away shortly after the start of the shortest ride of this year’s race, 89.2 miles from Valence.

The pack, including Riis and his main rivals for final victory, came in more than 15 minutes later.

Riis, knowing the men in front could do his lead no harm, spent a quiet day in the main bunch to hang on to first place overall, 40 seconds ahead of Russian Evgeny Berzin with Swiss Tony Rominger third, 13 seconds further back.

Riis, who took the yellow jersey after Monday’s ninth stage, controlled the race, watching out for attempts by his pursuers.

“I thought they might try something, but they didn’t,” said the Dane, who was particularly worried about Miguel Indurain.

The Spaniard, chasing a record sixth Tour victory, lies a modest eighth more than four minutes behind the leader and was expected to try to gain some time.

“I don’t know if there’s something wrong with him, but it’s not my problem,” Riis said.