Wed 07 Jul 2007Vinokourov runs out of steam and hopeCycling/Tour de France:Gradually but inexorably
the list of possible winners of this Tour is shortening. Barring a
dramatic turn of events, yesterday's short, intense Alpine stage
saw the end of Alexandr Vinokourov's slim hopes.He was barely able to speak for the pain and the emotion after
the finish at the top of a steep climb to Vauban's fortress here,
where his stumbling words and tears were captured live on French
television. His distress was understandable: he is 33 and may never
have a better chance to win the race.