Valverde lays down early marker

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Caisse d'Epargne rider - among the favourites to win this year's Tour - burst forward in the final 200 metres after it looked like Kim Kirchen had the win all wrapped up.

The Columbia rider from Luxembourg was well ahead of the Spaniard after the final bend, but he could not continue his momentum and began to flag as he was caught with apparent ease by Valverde.

Belgium's Philippe Gilbert of Francaise des Jeux and Frenchman Jerome Pineau of Bouygues Telecom also passed the Luxembourg rider before the line to complete the top three.

Saunier Duval-Scott's Riccardo Ricco, runner-up at this year's Giro d'Italia, finished behind Kirchen in fifth, ahead of race favourite Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto), Frank Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) and Filippo Pozzato of Liquigas.

However, Spain dominated the top 10 as Oscar Freire (Rabobank) and Valverde's Caisse d'Epargne team-mate Oscar Pereiro completed the front runners.

Afterwards, Valverde dedicated the win to his family, friends and team-mates, before warning his rivals he has his eyes set on more glory before the event reaches Paris.

"It's an important victory for me. I'm very proud," he said.

"Of course I have my eyes on the podium in Paris, but it's important to win a stage and have the yellow jersey."