Cycling-Vasseur takes first Tour stage for France

MARSEILLE, France, July 18 (Reuters) Cedric Vasseur clinched the host country's first win in this year's Tour de France with victory on the 229.5-km 10th stage today.

The 36-year-old Quick Step rider, who will retire at the end of the season, beat compatriot Sandy Casar to the line by the width of a wheel, with Swiss Michael Albasini of the Liquigas team coming home third.

Dane Michael Rasmussen of the Rabobank team retained the overall leader's yellow jersey after finishing in the bunch.

''I can now leave with my head high,'' Vasseur told reporters.

''Ten years ago, I wore the yellow jersey during five days.

There are signs. I knew victory could not slip from my hands today.'' Vasseur, who now has two Tour stage victories to his name, first raised his arms in triumph in La Chatre in 1997.

The former US Postal and Cofidis rider was part of an 11-man breakaway that shaped up after some 60 km.

In scorching heat, the fugitives built a 10-minute lead over the peloton, led by Rasmussen's Rabobank team.

The day started with the announcement by the German federation of Patrik Sinkewitz's positive test for elevated levels of testosterone.

The T-Mobile rider, who pulled out of the Tour after colliding with a spectator on Sunday, has been suspended by the team and his contract will be terminated should the B sample also be positive.

As a result, Germany's state broadcasters ARD and ZDF said they were halting coverage of cycling's most prestigious race, which is watched by more than a million Germans, until the Sinkewitz case was resolved.

REUTERS LPB RN2232