Freire wins ninth stage of Tour de France

Cycling/Tour de France: Spaniard Oscar Freire claimed his second sprint win of this year's Tour de France on Tuesday, on the…

Cycling/Tour de France: Spaniard Oscar Freire claimed his second sprint win of this year's Tour de France on Tuesday, on the final stage before the first high mountain climbs.

The Rabobank rider outsprinted green jersey holder Robbie McEwen of Australia and Germany's Erik Zabel.

Ukrainian Serhiy Honchar retained the yellow jersey with a one-minute lead over American Floyd Landis in the overall standings.

American Levi Leipheimer, regarded as one of the pre-race favourites, crossed the line one minute and 44 seconds behind Freire to add to his disappointing performance in Saturday's time trial.