Cycling: Thomas hopes for lucky No.13 as Tour de France gets set to go flat out

GERAINT Thomas anticipates a breakaway will prevail in today's 13th stage of the Tour de France.

Thomas expects to take a back seat on the 152.5-kilometre stage from Pau to Lourdes after 12 days as one of the Tour's most prominent riders. The overall contenders are likely to wait to take their chance, with the hors categorie (beyond category) Col d'Aubisque the day's major climb and a flat finish.

After being part of the breakaway for much of yesterday's 12th stage, Thomas said: "The GC (general classification) men I can't imagine racing too hard up the Aubisque. A breakaway will probably end up staying away."

Thomas, who fell twice in quick succession earlier in the day, was beaten to the summit of the 17.1km fabled Pyrenean peak by breakaway companion Jeremy Roy (FDJ).

Frenchman Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) finished 50 seconds behind Sanchez to retain the yellow jersey on Bastille Day, but three-time champion Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-SunGard) lost time to his major rivals. Frank Schleck (Leopard Trek) was third, behind Sanchez and Jelle Vanendert (Omega Pharma-Lotto), to move to second overall, one minute 49 seconds behind.

Contador is now four minutes behind Voeckler.