Italian Wins Tour Stage

Villeneuve, France Italy’s Massimo Podenzana pulled away in the final stretch Monday to win the 15th stage of the Tour de France, while Denmark’s Bjarne Riis retained the overall lead.

Six riders broke early and held the lead throughout the hot day on the 109-mile leg from Brive-la-Gaillarde.

Two-time Italian national champion Podenzana sprinted in the final three miles to win his first Tour stage. He finished ahead of Giuseppe Guerini of Italy and Peter Van Petergem of Belgium.