Fedrigo takes Tour de France's 16th stage

PAU, France, July 20 (UPI) -- Pierrick Fedrigo pushed through with a hard charge over the final mile Tuesday and won Stage 16 of the Tour de France.

Fedrigo was among 10 riders, including Lance Armstrong, who were well in front of the main body of cyclists through much of the 123.7-mile route from Bagneres-de-Luchon over four tough climbs and into Pau.

Carlos Barredo moved ahead by himself with 28 miles to go and held off the chase group until the final half mile but finished ninth in the stage, 28 seconds behind Fedrigo.

Fedrigo's final kick allowed him to finish first in 5 hours, 31 minutes, 43 seconds with Sandy Casar second. Armstrong was listed sixth although the first eight riders were all given the same time as Fedrigo.

Overall leader Alberto Contador, who won the Tour de France two of the last three years, was in the main group that was clocked 6:45 behind Fedrigo. He maintained his 8-second lead over Andy Schleck.

Wednesday the riders have a rest day ahead of the final four stages, which end with the ride Sunday into Paris. Thursday they will compete in Stage 17, a 108-mile route from Pau to the Cul du Tourmalet, the final climb of this year's Tour de France.