Evans back from the dead to take control

By Julien Pretot

HAUTACAM, France (Reuters) - The day after almost crashing out of the Tour de France, Cadel Evans kept his rivals at bay to take command of the race in the first big mountain battle on Monday.

The Australian finished the 156-km 10th stage from Pau to the Pyrenean resort of Hautacam in eighth place two minutes and 17 seconds behind Italian Leonardo Piepoli, who snatched his maiden win on the Tour.

Silence-Lotto's Evans, however, controlled the race's big guns with the exception of Frank Schleck, third in the stage 28 seconds behind Piepoli, and Spain's Juan Jose Cobo, who was second in the same time as the Italian.

Luxembourg champion Schleck of the CSC team is now second overall just one second behind Evans as the 169-strong peloton prepares to enjoy a rest day.

One of the main threats to Evans might now come from twice Vuelta (Tour of Spain) champion Denis Menchov, fifth overall 57 seconds behind.

"Yesterday, after the crash, I thought the Tour was over for me," Evans told reporters.

"I had the scare of my life, I was a bit shocked and scared yesterday. I had a lot of bruising, swelling, but I was very well looked after by the team. The team doctor patched me up from ankle to neck."

Last year's runner-up Evans crashed midway through Sunday's ninth stage, sustaining cuts and bruises on his left side and damaging his shoulder.