Valverde defends yellow jersey
07/07/2008 13:07  - (SA)  

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Barloworld's Soler in TDF doubt Valverde wins TDF's first stage Duclos-Lassalle out of TDF

France - Alejandro Valverde wore the yellow jersey as riders began the third stage of the Tour de France on Monday.

The Spaniard, who won Saturday's opening stage, led the pack on a mostly flat 208-kilometer trek from Saint-Malo to Nantes, which favours sprinters.

Alberto Contador, who won the Tour last year, is not defending his title this time because his Astana team is banned by organisers after doping infractions by other riders.

Among this year's other challengers are Australia's Cadel Evans and Spaniard Carlos Sastre. All will be looking to save energy ahead of Tuesday's time trial, which could see one of the favorites open up a considerable time gap on rivals.

Riders will cover more than 3 500 kilometers during the three-week race.

- AP

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