VITTEL, France  The Dutch cyclist Kenny Van Hummel could feel the large white van, known as the broom wagon, looming close behind as he rode the final stage of the Pyrenees in the Tour de France.

The van, a vehicle of mercy, sweeps the back of the peloton, looking to pick up riders who want to quit the Tour midrace because they have suffered enough. It is big enough to carry about 12 people.

But Van Hummel, a 26-year-old sprinter on the Skil-Shimano team, would not have any of that. He was last in the standings Sunday, but he refused to give up.

Though his back ached and his legs felt as if they were aflame, Van Hummel pedaled faster, making it to the top just inside the time cut, which is a percentage of the winning time that changes from stage to stage.