Cycling: No respite in seventh stage

Riders expecting a break after the first mountain stage of the Tour in Super-Besse are in for a nasty surprise in Friday's 159-km, seventh stage between Brioude and Aurillac.

The ride along the old volcanoes of Auvergne is short but bumpy and treacherous with two second-category climbs which could favour breakaway attempts.

The Col d'Entremont, in the 101st kilometre, is quickly followed by the Pas de Peyrol, the highest mountain pass in the region at 1,582 metres.

The finish in Aurillac has mostly been favourable to sprinters in the past, but new Tour leader Kim Kirchen of Luxembourg should keep an eye on the climbers to avoid losing his yellow jersey.

Kirchen's has a lead of six seconds over Australian Cadel Evans while German Stefan Schumacher, 16 seconds adrift, will be out for revenge after he crashed near the finish of Thursday's stage which handed Kirchen the overall lead.

France's Sylvain Chavanel will also be eager to defend his polka-dot jersey as the current best climber in the Tour. The Cofidis team leader should beware of compatriot Christophe Moreau, who became French champion in Aurillac last year and knows the course well.