July 21, 2007 (Val-d’Or, QC) – After knocking on the door all week, Tony Guinhut (France Pole Espoirs) has finally gotten the win he so strongly deserves. Following a third place in the prologue and a second place on the first stage, Guinhut unleashed a powerful sprint to claim the victory on today’s 94.4 km stage from Pressiac to Val d’Or.

After enjoying a lunch in the picturesque community of Pressiac riders rolled out to what was to be a very important stage. With only one second separating Tom David (New Zealand National) and Taylor Phinney (USA National) and with several bonus sprints on the course, both New Zealand and the US national teams had to be attentive throughout today’s stage.

The race today began with 30 kms of rolling hills before meeting up with the main highway and beginning the run to Val d’or. With two Kom’s and only four points separating the top four in that competition, the battle to be called the best climber at this year’s Tour would be decided on this stretch of road.

In the first sprint, fourth-place rider in the KoM competition Devon Novakowski (Team Ontario) sprinted ahead to take the win. Unfortunately Nolan Frose (Baraboo Sharks) and Thomas Valliant (France Pole Espoir), first and second in the competition, also scored points. This put Valliant and Frose in a two-way tie for first with 14 points followed by Novakowski in third with 13. Ten kilometers later the peloton contested the second KoM of the day and the final one of the competition and Novakowski snuck in with a 5th place finish scoring the one point necessary to make it a three-way tie. Novakowski would prove victorious in the competition however as he had won two mountain sprints throughout the week and Frose and Valliant had only scored one each.

Following the excitement of the KoM battle, the GC contenders were next to have a go. Phinney, who began today’s stage in second place on the GC at one second from the leader, place third in a time bonus sprint. The one second he scored in the sprint put him into a tie with David for first.

For much of the stage riders would attack and counter-attack each other in an attempt to form a break. However with the relatively flat course, a strong tailwind and the restrictions of junior gearing, riders were hard pressed to stay away. The pack entered the first of three finishing circuits all together. As the group wound their way around town and up a large hill, riders would continue to get dropped off the back and as the pack entered the final sprint, only the strongest remained.

In a feverously fast dash for the line Guinhut confirmed the form he has been showing all week uncorking a spectacular sprint to take first place ahead of points leader Boivin and Phinney. Phinney now leads the GC overall heading into what promises to be a fast final showdown tomorrow afternoon.

Riders will contest a 55.8km criterium in Val d’Or tomorrow afternoon, with the Tour de Abitibi overall title still very much up for grabs.

Results (brief)

1. Tony Guinhut (Fra) France Pôle Espoirs 2:04:15
2. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Québec
3. Taylor Phinney (USA) USA National
4. Guillaume Blais-Dufour (Can) Québec
5. Arnaud Papillon (Can) André Cycle/IdCad 1

GC after Stage 7

1. Taylor Phinney (USA) USA National
2. Tom David (NZl) New Zealand National 0:01