Denis Menchov (Photo: capture-the-peloton.com)

BRIANÇON, Jul 17 (CP) - The Alps have been completed in this year's Tour de France and while some still have hope for a good final classification, others might wonder why they are still there.

Winners

Juan Mauricio Soler delivered an impressive performance on the Télégraphe and the Galibier. The Colombian left all favorites behind to be the first of his country to win a stage in the last seven years.

Michael Rasmussen has no reason to complain either. The Dane never struggled to stay with the best and rather easily defender his Yellow Jersey. Rasmussen is still expected to try a second attack in the pyrenees however, as a larger advantage might be needed due to his poor time trial skills.

Alejandro Valverde Belmonte showed why he is one of the big favorites to win this Tour. The Spaniard played his cards well on Tuesday and eventually took the second place. The bonification seconds bring him a little closer to Rasmussen in the general classification.

Losers

Alexandre Vinokourov might now really have to say goodbye to his Tour aspirations. Having lost some more valuable minutes on Tuesday, the Kazakh is unlikely to compete for victory in the Pyrenees. Astana will have to hope for a stage win in the second half of the race.

Where Rabobank celebrate Rasmussen's performance, they have nothing to be happy about when it's about their actual leader Denis Menchov. The Russian couldn't stay with the group of favorites and lost so much time that he should not be considered for the final victory any longer.

CSC rider Fränk Schleck must have expected more of this stage, but the Luxembourgian finished at 3'24" from the winner and moves down to the 13th place in the overall classification. A top spot in Paris therefore seems unlikely at this point.

© Jonathan Roorda