September 12, 2003 – Denmark's Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank), nicknamed “the chicken” because of his slight build, has taken an impressive victory in today's Tour of Spain stage. Rasmussen was almost a minute clear of Colombia's uber-climber Felix Cardenas (Labarca-2-Cafe Baque) and USPS' “back-up” GC man, Manuel Beltran. Roberto Heras (USPS) finished in the top-ten, after a solid ride confirming his climbing ability. The GC still sees Nozal in the lead, but both Beltran and Fassa Bortolo's Dario Frigo, most notably, made significant gains. USPS looks to be in a solid spot with two very capable riders in the top ten, as does ONCE. The game is on…

Stage 7 – Friday, September 12: Huesca – Cauterets (France), 190k

1. Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank 5.01.14
(37.84 km/h)
2. Felix Cardenas (Col) Labarca-2-Cafe Baque 0.55
3. Manuel Beltran (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor 0.59
4. Luis Perez (Spa) Cofidis, Le Credit par Telephone 1.08
5. Unai Osa (Spa) iBanesto.com 1.10
6. Dario Frigo (Ita) Fassa Bortolo 1.17
7. Francisco Mancebo (Spa) iBanesto.com 1.24
8. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Kelme-Costa Blanca 1.26
9. Félix Garcia Casas (Spa) Team Bianchi
10. Roberto Heras (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor 1.29

Overall:

1. Isidro Nozal (Spa) O.N.C.E.-Eroski 20.08.37
2. Manuel Beltran (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor 0.55
3. Igor Gonzalez De Galdeano (Spa) O.N.C.E.-Eroski 1.21
4. Dario Frigo (Ita) Fassa Bortolo 3.07
5. Roberto Heras (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor 3.18
6. Francisco Mancebo (Spa) iBanesto.com 3.40
7. Aitor Gonzalez (Spa) Fassa Bortolo 4.00
8. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Kelme-Costa Blanca 4.03
9. Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank 4.24
10. Unai Osa (Spa) iBanesto.com 4.34
62 Michael Barry (Can) US Postal-Berry Floor 33.25