PAU, France – Bradley Wiggins knows he's well-positioned to win the Tour de France. But with the banged-up, frenetic and weary pack nearing the final rest day of the three-week race, he wasn't taking any chances Monday. A hasty, nervous start to Stage 15 in the Pyreness foothills ultimately gave way to a stage victory by Pierrick Fedrigo. The Frenchman led a six-man breakaway as Wiggins played it safe – almost 12 minutes behind in the pack. The 158.5-kilometer route from Samatan to Pau was a mostly flat layout that might favor a sprint finish, but teams with strong sprinters didn't lay chase. Fedrigo bolted from the breakaway group with just over 6 kilometers left, with Christian Vande Velde of the US the only rider able to keep pace. The American, not a sprint expert, lost the two-man dash. Sprinters and breakaway specialists saw this course as one of their last chances to win a stage, knowing mountains and a time trial dominate the last five race days. “I thought the attacks at the start wouldn't last so long. It went on for almost two hours, but the terrain took its toll,” Wiggins said, referring to the deceptively hilly route. “There are a lot of tired bodies out there.” Overall, Wiggins leads second-place teammate Christopher Froome by 2:05. Vincenzo Nibali of Italy is third, 2:23 behind, while defending champion Cadel Evans remains fourth, 3:19 back. “There are some gaps, but it's never finished. We are in a good position, that's for sure,” pointing to Saturday's time trial, one of his specialties. — AP
