Sanchez wins eighth stage

Spain's Luis Leon Sanchez outsprinted his breakaway companions to win the 176.5-kms eighth stage of the Tour de France between Andorra and St Girons yesterday.

The Caisse d'Epargne rider, winner of a Tour stage last year in Aurillac, surged in the last stretch to beat France's Sandy Casar and fellow Spaniard Mikel Astarloza.

The three had been on their own since the last climb of the day, accompanied by Russia's Vladimir Efimkin, who finished fourth.

Italy's Rinaldo Nocentini retained the yellow jersey earned in the previous stage in the ski resort of Arcalis despite numerous attacks on the two first category climbs of the day.

Such skirmishes had been expected from the rivals of the all-conquering Astana team of Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong.

The 160.5-kms ninth stage from Saint Gaudens to Tarbes today will start without 2006 Tour winner Oscar Pereiro. The Spaniard, a team-mate of Luis Leon Sanchez, called it quits shortly after the first climb yesterday.

Pereiro, who started the day in 38th place 5:38 off the pace, got off his bike about 100 kilometres into the 176.5-km stage.

Pereiro's Caisse d'Epargne team manager Eusebio Unzue said the Spaniard was simply not feeling good.

Last year, Pereiro had to quit the Tour after breaking his arm in a spectacular crash during the 15th stage to the Italian resort of Prato Nevoso.