Boasson Hagen wins Stage 17

PINEROLO, Italy (AP):

Edvald Boasson Hagen of Norway took the 17th stage of the Tour de France yesterday, the first of three in the Alps. Thomas Voeckler held on to the yellow jersey, but lost time after riding off the course on the final descent.

In the race for the overall victory, defending champion Alberto Contador made repeated attempts to get away from his rivals, but was caught on each occasion. He finished in the same time as Cadel Evans, the Schleck brothers and Samuel Sanchez. Voeckler lost 27 seconds and is now one minute, 18 seconds ahead of Evans.

Boasson Hagen comple-ted the 179 kilometres (111 miles) across the Alps from Gap to the Italian town of Pinerolo in four hours, 18 minutes. Bauke Mollema of the Netherlands was second, 40 seconds back, with Sandy Casar of France winning the sprint for third.

It was the second victory for Sky rider Boasson Hagen and the fourth for Norway in this year's race.

It was also a form of revenge, after he was beaten into second by his compatriot Thor Hushovd on Tuesday.

"It was very difficult yesterday, and today I was able to do better," said Boasson Hagen. "I didn't want to lose this race today."

Extra power

He praised the large contingent of Norwegian fans that has been supporting him and Hushovd throughout the race.

"It's really great to see all the Norwegian flags and Norwegian people around the course. It gives some extra power."

Second place went to Bauke Mollema of the Netherlands, after Frenchman Jonathan Hivert crashed on the perilous final descent of the Pramartino. Sandy Casar of France was third, while Hivert got back on his bike and came in ninth.

Voeckler veered off the course at one point during the last descent, but didn't crash.

Contador was not downhearted by his failure to get away.

"I felt good, and you've got to try," he said. He didn't want to talk about the stages to come.

Evans, who becomes more of a favourite for the title with every day he keeps his advantage of nearly two minutes over Contador. Voeckler, who is expected to fade - said it had been a difficult final descent.

"With shadows and stuff, it was real hard to see. Voeckler ran off the road in front of me twice, I think. It makes you take things more cautiously. You don't ever want to lose time to anyone," the Australian said.