Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Marcus Burghardt profited from a transitional day in the Tour de France to escape to victory on the 18th stage from Bourg d'Oisans to St Etienne.
Burghardt caught solo escapee Carlos Barredo 94km into the 197km stage and held off the Spaniard's late dash in the closing metres to secure Team Columbia's fifth stage win of the Tour.
The 25-year-old German is best remembered for being knocked off his bike by a dog in last year's event, but he had the chance to change all that with the freedom granted to him on an uneventful day.
Burghardt's win puts the gloss on a fine Tour for the Columbia team, who won four perfectly-executed bunch sprints courtesy of Mark Cavendish earlier in the race.
After three tough days in the Alps, the main contenders were content to conserve their energy for the crucial time-trial from Cerilly to St Amand Montrond on Saturday.
Carlos Sastre came through unscathed and retains his 84-second lead over CSC colleague Frank Schleck.
Sastre, hoping to become the third consecutive Spaniard to win the Tour de France after Oscar Pereiro and Alberto Contador, must decide whether to try and gain more time on Cadel Evans in tomorrow's flat stage from Roanne to Montlucon.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments