SRAM: Tour Podium Covered in SRAM RED

Astana’s Alberto Contador of Spain has won the Tour de France for a second time and achieved the first-ever Tour win for SRAM RED and 12th in Tour history for a Spanish rider. "The Tour is the hardest race in the world, but this year it was particularly difficult. That’s why I am so happy," said Contador, after finishing the 96th Tour with 4'11? over Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) and 5'24? over Astana teammate Lance Armstrong.

24-year old Andy Schleck of SRAM RED equipped Saxo Bank was not only runner up, but also Best Young Rider at the 96th Tour De France. Andy credited his brother Fränk, who finished 5th and won a stage for his success. "I owe part of this achievement to my brother Fränk, who for three weeks sacrificed himself trying to help me," said Andy Schleck.

In finishing third, Astana’s SRAM RED equipped Lance Armstrong will join Contador & Schleck on the podium after finishing third in his comeback to cycling’s main event. Armstrong’s podium appearance today, added to his seven previous wins will tying him with legendary French rider Raymond Poulidor for eight podium appearances. Post-Tour, Armstrong said "I came here to do my best and I came across some guys who were clearly better than me. I don’t have any regrets. I got put out a couple of times, but considering my age and recent racing, it’s not a bad performance overall."

For SRAM Red, the 96th Tour de France must be considered a huge success. Not only was it a podium sweep today for SRAM RED, but 9 out of top 28 riders in the 96th Tour de France were SRAM RED equipped. 7 stage wins for SRAM RED, 12 days in the Maillot Jaune for SRAM Red equipped riders (6 days for Saxo Bank’s Cancellara, 6 days for Astana’s Contador), Best Young Rider with Saxo Bank’s Andy Schleck and Best Team GC with Astana.

Sunday, July 26th’s Stage 21, a 164km journey from Montereau-Fault-Yonne to the Champs Elysees in Paris started with the usual stunts, pictures and champagne toasts. Once Astana led Maillot Jaune Contador over the finish line with 9 laps of the Champs Elysees circuit, it was Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis) on the attack, joined by SRAM Red equipped Fabian Wegmann (Milram), Veikkanen (FdJ), Coyot (Caisse d’Epargne), Pichot (Bbox), Barredo (Quick Step) and Beppu (Skil-Shimano). This group of 7 gained up to 35? but Columbia and Garmin pulled them back on the final lap, where Mark Cavendish uncorked a huge sprint to win the stage, his 6th victory at the 96th Tour De France.

2009 Tour de France / Final Classification Best Young Rider:
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) 85h52'46? (SRAM RED)

2009 Tour de France / Final Team General Classification:
Astana 256h02'58? (SRAM RED)

SRAM RED equipped in Maillot Jaune: 12 days
6 days: Alberto Contador (Astana)
6 days: Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank)

7 Stage Wins On SRAM Red

Stage winner:
Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) SRAM RED

Stage 4: Montpellier Team Time Trial
Stage winner: Astana SRAM RED

7: Barcelona-Andorra Arcalis
Stage winner: Brice Feillu (Agritubel) SRAM RED

Stage 12: Tonnerre to Vittel
Stage winner: Nicki Sørensen (Saxo Bank) SRAM RED

Stage 15: Pontarlier to Verbier
Stage winner: Alberto Contador (Astana) SRAM RED

Stage 17: Bourg St Maurice to Le Grand Bornand Stage winner:
Fränk Schleck (Saxo Bank) SRAM RED

Stage 18: Annecy ITT Stage winner: Alberto Contador (Astana) SRAM RED

General Classification-Saturday, July 25
2009 Tour de France / Final General Classification

1. Alberto Contador (Astana) 85h48'35? (SRAM RED)
2. Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) @ 4'11? (SRAM RED)
3. Lance Armstrong (Astana) @ 5'24? (SRAM RED)
4. Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank) @ 6'04? (SRAM RED)
5. Andréas Kloden (Astana) @ 6'42? (SRAM RED)
6. Linus Gerdemann (Milram) @ 31'08? (SRAM RED)
7. Brice Feillu (Agritubel) @ 32'25? (SRAM RED)
8. Haimar Zubeldia (Astana) @ 36'07? (SRAM RED)
9. Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) @ 37'06? (SRAM RED)

9 out of top 28 Tour De France riders SRAM Red equipped