Michael Rasmussen wins stage 8

All aboard for the tough climb to Tignes

Yesterday's yellow jersey winner Linus Gerdemann gallantly held on

It was Michael Rasmussen's day however, with his sights set on the overall victory

In his preview of stage 8, Guy Andrews said: "This stage will be the start of the final shake-down for the GC. No fewer that three category 1 climbs. And a stinker in the Cormet de Roselend which incorporates the Col de Mauraille," adding, "Michael Rasmussen will break away some way up the Roselend and press-on to the finish."

And he wasn't wrong in his prediction. On the second stage snaking through the beautiful Alps, Michael Rasmussen chose this tough stage to make his mark on the race. The 33-year-old won his third stage victory by attacking from an early breakaway 18km from the finish, with Iban Mayo trailing 2.47 down.

"I do not know what to say," said Rasmussen. "The yellow jersey is a childhood dream. It is really difficult to find the right words; it is simply overwhelming." Rasmussen has made it clear he aims to keep the yellow jersey: "Now that I am wearing it, it would be stupid not to."

The rest of the Tour contenders trailed in over three minutes behind, consisting of Alejandro Valverde, Christophe Moreau, Frank Schleck, Cadel Evan, Andrey Kashechkin, and Alberto Contador Velasco not far behind.

Yesterday's stunning stage winner Linus Gerdemann failed to hold the yellow jersey, the effort expended yesterday no doubt taking its toll, finishing five minutes down. There was bad news for the T-Mobile team sadly. Team leader and GC hopeful Michael Rogers crashed 54km from the finish, ending his hopes of racing to Paris. Mark Cavendish also abandoned the race today.

Stage 8 Results