Fans wait for the riders in Tonnerre before the start of the 200km 12th stage of the 2009 Tour de FrancePhotograph: Nathalie Magniez/AFP/Getty ImagesThe overall leader Rinaldo Nocentini, wearing the yellow jersey, stands out from the pack on the journey to VittelPhotograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty ImagesSpectators gather in front of a house adorned with bicycles to cheer on the ridersPhotograph: Christophe Ena/AP
The route weaves through a township ...Photograph: Ian Langsdon/EPAAstana rider Alberto Contador, in second place overall, takes a swig of his drinkPhotograph: Bogdan Cristel/ReutersThe peleton cycle past huge fields of wheatPhotograph: Bogdan Cristel/ReutersGerman fan 'El Diablo' jumps into the air as the leading men race past him on a breakawayPhotograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty ImagesQuad vehicles tear through the fields, keeping pace with the cyclistsPhotograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty ImagesNicki Sorensen of Danish outfit Team Saxo Bank celebrates as he wins the stagePhotograph: Pascal Pavani/AFP/Getty Images
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