Zabel Wins Stage; Vasseur Retains Overall Lead

German Erik Zabel won the eighth stage of the Tour de France on Sunday, his second victory in a row.

Second was Italian Nicola Minali. Dutchman Jeroen Blijlevens, who won Friday’s stage after Zabel was disqualified, was third.

Frenchman Cedric Vasseur stayed in the overall lead as the Tour entered its second week.

Zabel is 1 minute, 21 seconds back. Chris Boardman of Great Britain is third, 2:54 behind. The highest American is Frankie Andreu of Dearborn, Mich., but he is 3:38 behind.

Sprinters dominated the first week, as expected over the flat stages. Mario Cipollini won twice and Zabel three times.

Things should change over the next two days.

“After eight days, nothing happened,” said Bernard Hinault, who has won the Tour five times. “Certain of the favorites will lose the Tour Monday.”

Monday also is Bastille Day in France, a national holiday.

“To carry the yellow jersey on the national day is exceptional,” Vasseur said.

“I am going to try to outdo myself. I don’t, however, have any thoughts to say I will be among the best.”

The only stage not decided by a finishing sprint was the fifth Thursday when Vasseur had a long breakaway and was able to hold on to more than two minutes of his once 17-minute margin.

Sunday’s stage covered 100 miles from Sauternes to Pau. It was the last flat stage before the Pyrenees.

The riders spend a few days in the mountains before a rest day Thursday. The first major time trial is Friday in St. Etienne.