France continued yesterday as she climbed seven places after two further events to finish in 99th place overall.

Yesterday saw two stages -- a 97 kilometre road race in the morning followed by as 12.3 kilometre time trial later in the day -- and Claude, who had started the day in 106th place, came through both with flying colours.

She finished the road race in 97th position after working with a group of eight riders and then placed 70th in the time trial in 20 minutes and 22 seconds -- three minutes and eight seconds behind the winner.

Today the field, which started with 118 riders, tackles another 97 kilometre road race.