Cycling: Oscar's gong

Oscar Freire of Spain took the 14th stage of the Tour de France with Cadel Evans keeping hold of the yellow jersey.

The Rabobank rider beat Colombian Leonardo Duque and German Erik Zabel in the sprint to the line after a 194.5km trek from Nimes to Digne-les Bains, cementing his place at the head of the sprint classifications.

Four riders opening up a six minute lead midway through the stage and with 25km to go Sandy Casar and William Bonnet were attacked by Spain's Jose Ivan Gutierrez, but the chasers were soon on their tail and it was France's Romain Feillu who launched the final sprint.

However, he, in turn, was swallowed up as Freire powered ahead to take the fourth stage win of his career.

Britain's Mark Cavendish struggled following back-to-back stage wins, finishing more than three minutes off the pace, and is reportedly considering withdrawing from the event to give himself more time to prepare for the Olympics.

"He is clearly very tired," said Team Columbia manager Bob Stapleton. "I think we have to seriously consider him stepping out. That's something we need to give full consideration to.

"It's important for us that he is part of that decision so we'll talk with him when he feels better."

Evans retains the overall lead, just one second ahead of Franck Schleck, as the riders prepare themselves for three days of gruelling climbing through the Alps.

"I have to play a smart game and to use my head as much as my legs," he said. "We don't have the best team in the mountains and my competitors are aware of it.

"But (Yaroslav) Popovych is feeling better and better while we made sure to get other team mates like Mario Aerts fresh to the mountains."

Stage result:
1. Oscar Freire (Spain / Rabobank ) 4 hrs 13 mins 8 secs
2. Leonardo Duque (Colombia / Cofidis ) "
3. Erik Zabel (Germany / Milram ) "
4. Julian Dean (New Zealand / Garmin - Chipotle ) "
5. Steven de Jongh (Netherlands / Quick-Step ) "
6. Alessandro Ballan (Italy / Lampre ) "
7. Ruben Perez (Spain / Euskaltel ) "
8. Jerome Pineau (France / Bouygues Telecom ) "
9. Matteo Tosatto (Italy / Quick-Step ) "
10. Thor Hushovd (Norway / Credit Agricole ) all same time

Overall standings:
1. Cadel Evans (Australia/Silence - Lotto ) 59h 01m 55s
2. Frank Schleck (Luxembourg/Team CSC ) +1s
3. Christian Vande Velde (US/Garmin - Chipotle ) +38"
4. Bernhard Kohl (Austria/Gerolsteiner ) +46"
5. Denis Menchov (Russia/Rabobank ) +57"
6. Carlos Sastre (Spain/Team CSC ) +1:28"
7. Kim Kirchen (Luxembourg/Columbia ) +1:56"
8. Vladimir Efimkin (Russia/AG2R ) +2:32"
9. Mikel Astarloza (Spain/Euskaltel ) +3:51"
10. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy/Liquigas ) +4:18"