Aussie Stephens Wins Stage; Ullrich Gets Special Greeting

Australian Neil Stephens won the 17th stage of the Tour de France Wednesday as the race reentered France.

Meanwhile, Jan Ullrich of Germany stayed in the overall lead and Richard Virenque of France held on to second place.

Stephens was part of a 13-rider breakaway that built up a seven-minute advantage over the main pack, including Ullrich and Virenque.

With three miles to go in the 136-mile stage from Fribourg, Switzerland, to Colmar, Stephens took off by himself and held the lead. The main pack came in almost four minutes behind. As Stephens crossed the finish line, he made a cradle and later said the gesture was for his wife Amaia and their 4-month-old daughter.

The route passed about within 19 miles of Merdingen, Germany, where Ullrich has lived for the past two years, far from his native Rostock in eastern Germany. Ullrich’s mother came from Rostock to cheer her son. A number of German banners and flags greeted Ullrich along the road.