MONTLUCON, France (AP):

Sylvain Chavanel of France won the 19th stage of the Tour de France yesterday after leading a two-man breakaway and Carlos Sastre of Spain retained the yellow jersey a day before a crucial time trial.

Chavanel, a 29-year-old rider with the Cofidis team, won his first Tour stage by edging out Jeremy Roy of France at the end of the mostly flat 165.5-kilometre (102.8-mile) ride from Roanne to Montlucon. Chavanel, with his seventh victory in a stage or race this year, broke down in tears in the finish-line zone.

"My first thought when I crossed the line was for my best friend who committed suicide last year," Chavanel said. "He would have been happy for me.

"There's a lot of emotion today. I'm the happiest ever."

The main race contenders finished in the main pack more than a minute after the French riders - and the top standings remained unchanged before today's time trial that is likely to determine the winner of the three-week race.