Chavanel wins Tour's 19th stage

MONTLUCON, France, July 25 (UPI) -- Sylvain Chavanel held off Jeremy Roy over the final 100 yards to claim Friday's 19th stage of the Tour de France.

In a repeat of Thursday's race, when two riders had a large lead over the field and battled it out through the final miles, Chavanel and Roy were well ahead of the other riders with about 50 miles to go in the 99.3-mile ride Friday.

Each jockeyed for the final edge, with Chavanel ahead in the final mile. As the race entered its final several 100 yards, Chavanel seemed to be smiling and talking with Roy, about two bike lengths behind. When Roy made his final push, Chavanel charged and never gave up the lead.

Both riders finished the route from Roanne to Montlucon in 3 hours, 37 minutes, 9 seconds. The peloton was 1:13 behind the leaders.

Overall race leader Carlos Sastre was 38th Friday and retained his 1:24 edge over Frank Schleck as the 2008 Tour de France enters its final two stages. Bernhard Kohl is 1:33 behind Sastre and Cadel Evans was another second back.

Saturday's race is a 31.8-mile time trial time trial from Cerilly to Saint-Amand-Montrond. The tour wraps up Sunday with an 85.8-mile ride into Paris.