Serguei Ivanov broke away at a key stage to claim victory in the 14th stage of the Tour de France

Serguei Ivanov broke away at a key stage to claim victory in the 14th stage of the Tour de France, which was marred by the death of a spectator.

The Russian champion from the Katusha team escaped from a group of 12 riders with just over 10km left on the 199km route from Colmar to Besancon.

American George Hincapie finished in the breakaway group to move from 28th to second behind Rinaldo Nocentini.

Mark Cavendish lost his stage points for barging Thor Hushovd in the sprint.

Hushovd, who leads the Briton in the green jersey competition, lodged a complaint which was upheld by race officials.

Cavendish, who crossed the line in 13th ahead of the Norwegian, was then disqualified from the stage and placed last, allowing Hushovd to increase his lead in the points race to 18.

“He just tried to push me in the barriers. I could pass him and when he saw me coming he tried to push me into the barriers, and that’s not fair game,” said the Cervelo Test Team rider.

“If he’s faster than me then I can accept it but when you don’t follow the rules of fair game, then that’s no good.”

Race jury director Martin Bruin backed up Hushovd’s stance, explaining: “Mark Cavendish was disqualified because he did not stay on his line while he was next to Thor Hushovd.”

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/8157528.stm

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