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Alberto Contador's Comments Reveal True Feelings for Lance Armstrong

Tom Herrera — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

With the Tour de France over, Alberto Contador didn't hold back from commenting on Lance Armstrong and showing how he really felt about his Astana teammate. Contador maintained three weeks of near silence about his tense relationship with Armstrong, but it was only a matter of time before he spoke out.

"My relationship with Lance is zero," Contador said at a news conference. "He is a great rider and had completed a great race, but it is another thing on a personal level, where I never had great admiration for him and I never will."

One day after winning his second Tour, the Spanish rider said it's good that they'll be moving on. Armstrong, a seven-time Tour winner, will ride for new Team RadioShack after the close of this season. Contador also wants to sign with another team.

"On this Tour, the days in the hotel were harder than those on the road," Contador added. "The situation was tense and delicate because the relationship between myself and Lance extended to the rest of the staff."

It didn't take long for Lance to respond to Contador's criticism, via his Twitter of course. On Monday night, Armstrong tweeted the following: "Seeing these comments from AC. If I were him I'd drop this drivel and start thanking his team. w/o them, he doesn't win."

In the end, there's no love lost as these two go their separate ways.

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Tour de France Photos

Acclaimed by hundreds of wellwishers, Tour de France winner Spanish Alberto Contador waves from a car as he rides through his home village, in Pinto near Madrid, on July 27, 2009. Contador won the Tour on Sunday with a comfortable lead over his rivals. AFP PHOTO/Dani POZO (Photo credit should read Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

AFP

Tour de France Photos

Astana team rider and Tour de France 2009 winner Alberto Contador of Spain waves his supporters as he appears on a balcony in his home village in Pinto near Madrid, on July 27, 2009. AFP PHOTO DANI POZO (Photo credit should read Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen awaits the start of the Designa Grand Prix race on July 27, 2009 in the small town of Kjellerup in Jutland, Denmark. The race is his first after a two-year suspension. Rasmussen was thrown off the 2007 Tour de France by his team, Rabobank, while wearing the leader's yellow jersey for lying about his whereabouts the previous month when he was being sought out for doping tests. AFP PHOTO Brian Rasmussen/SCANPIX DANMARK 2009 (Photo credit should read BRIAN RASMUSSEN/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Acclaimed by hundreds of wellwishers, Tour de France winner Spanish Alberto Contador jumps off from a car during a ride through his home village, in Pinto near Madrid, on July 27, 2009. Contador won the Tour on Sunday with a comfortable lead over his rivals. AFP PHOTO/Dani POZO (Photo credit should read Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Alberto Contador's Comments Reveal True Feelings for Lance Armstrong originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alberto Contador Wins Tour de France

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

PARIS (AP) -- Lance Armstrong's kids were dressed in yellow. He was not.

When the seven-time Tour de France champion returned to the Tour podium Sunday, his family was there. His fans were there. And so was rival and teammate Alberto Contador - wearing the coveted and hard-won yellow jersey.

Four years after his seventh Tour win, Armstrong capped his return with an impressive third-place finish. He had his clan on hand - son Luke, twin girls Grace and Isabelle, his mom, Linda, ex-wife, Kristin, and his girlfriend Anna Hansen, with their baby Max, sporting bright yellow shoes.

They were among the massive crowd that poured out onto Paris' most famous avenue for the finish - Norwegians in Viking helmets, flag-waving Britons and an American in a stars-and-stripes top hat among them.

Contador cruised down the Champs-Elysees to win the Tour for a second time Sunday after 2,141 miles over three weeks of racing. He repelled challenges in the mountains, excelled in the two time-trials - winning a pivotal race against the clock in the 18th stage - and won the first Alpine stage.

Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, Contador's toughest rival in the mountains, was second overall.

Contador said his biggest battle, however, was against his own Astana team.

``It has been an especially difficult Tour for me, but I savor it and it is more special because of it,'' he said after the prize ceremony.

The body language on the winner's podium said it all.

As the 37-year-old Armstrong climbed onto the stage, he gave a perfunctory handshake to his teammate Contador, then heartily grabbed Schleck's hand with both hands.

And as Contador took the victor's bowl, Armstrong cast a long sideways glance at what had long been his spoils; he gave only a cursory glance to his own crystal trophy.

Asked on French TV what the hardest moment in this race, Contador replied: ``It was in the (team) hotel,'' without elaborating.

Only 26 years old, Contador already is one of cycling's greats, having won all three Grand Tours of France, Italy and Spain.

Armstrong's comeback after 3 1/2 years of retirement raised questions about who would lead Astana during cycling's most prestigious race. Those questions remained through much of the Tour as tensions mounted over who was the No. 1 rider.

Tour de France Photos

Franco Pellizotti of Italy, wearing the best climber's dotted jersey, Thor Hushovd of Norway, wearing the best sprinter's green jersey, and Tour de France winner Alberto Contador of Spain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, left to right, react on the podium after the 21st stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 164 kilometers (101.9 miles) with start in Montereau-Fault-Yonne and finish in Paris, France, Sunday July 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

2009 Tour de France third placed, seven-time Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s Lance Armstrong of the United States (L) looks at his baby Max as his girlfriend, US actress Anna Hansen, looks on on July 26, 2009 on the famous Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, at the end of the 160 km and last stage run between Montereau and Paris Champs-Elysees. AFP PHOTO JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

The winner of 2009 Tour de France cycling race, Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain jubilates on the podium on July 26, 2009 on the famous Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, at the end of the 164 km and last stage run between Montereau and Paris Champs-Elysees. AFP PHOTO JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

The winner of 2009 Tour de France cycling race, Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain reacts after leaving the podium on July 26, 2009 on the famous Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, at the end of the 160 km and last stage run between Montereau and Paris Champs-Elysees. AFP PHOTO JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Thor Hushovd of Norway, wearing the best sprinter's green jersey, reacts on the podium after the 21st stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 164 kilometers (101.9 miles) with start in Montereau-Fault-Yonne and finish in Paris, France, Sunday July 26, 2009. Alberto Contador of Spain won the overall race. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Franco Pellizotti of Italy, wearing the best climber's dotted jersey, reacts on the podium after the 21st stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 164 kilometers (101.9 miles) with start in Montereau-Fault-Yonne and finish in Paris, France, Sunday July 26, 2009. Alberto Contador of Spain won the overall race. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

The winner of 2009 Tour de France cycling race, Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain (R) jubilates with second placed in the overall standings, Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg (C) as third placed, seven-time Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s Lance Armstrong of the United States leaves the podium on July 26, 2009 on the famous Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, at the end of the 160 km and last stage run between Montereau and Paris Champs-Elysees. AFP PHOTO JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

The winner of 2009 Tour de France cycling race, Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain (R), second placed in the overall standings, Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg (C) and third placed, seven-time Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s Lance Armstrong of the United States pose on the podium on July 26, 2009 on the famous Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, at the end of the 160 km and last stage run between Montereau and Paris Champs-Elysees. AFP PHOTO JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Astana rider and leader's yellow jersey Alberto Contador of Spain celebrates his overall victory on the podium after the final 21st stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Montereau-Fault-Yonne and Paris July 26, 2009. REUTERS/Bogdan Cristel (FRANCE SPORT CYCLING)

Reuters

Astana rider Lance Armstrong of the U.S. (L) is seen with his girlfriend Anna Hansen (R) and their son Max after the final 21st stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Montereau-Fault-Yonne and Paris July 26, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE SPORT CYCLING ENTERTAINMENT)

Reuters

On Sunday, Armstrong and Contador shared glasses of champagne on the ride into Paris. But it seemed to be more about keeping up appearances than a genuine celebration: After a few sips, they tossed away their glasses, half-drunk.

``I'm realistic, I did everything I could,'' Armstrong said before the final stage. ``For me, and even more for my kids, it's probably a healthy thing for them to see, because they saw their dad that never lost, and the kids in their class (say) 'your dad never loses,' so it's good for them to see dad get third and still be cool with that and still be happy.''

By the end of the race, Armstrong, who admitted his form wasn't the best, was talking less of squabbling within Astana and more about Contador's greatness as a rider.

Like cancer survivor Armstrong, Contador has rebounded from a brush with death.

After persistent headaches, Contador fell in the first stage of the 2004 Vuelta a Asturias race, went to hospital and learned he had a congenital cerebral vascular disorder, cavernoma. Eight months after the surgery, he won the fifth stage of the 2005 Tour Down Under. Today the only reminder of that scare is a large scar running down the side of his head.

With Contador's victory Sunday, the Tour has been won by a Spaniard for four straight years - Oscar Pereiro in 2006, Contador and Carlos Sastre last year.

Despite the tension, Contador said he was more at ease in this year's Tour than in 2007.

Four days from that finish, then race leader Michael Rasmussen of Denmark was sent home for lying about his whereabouts during pre-Tour doping controls.

For the first time since 2000, the Tour got through three weeks with no positive doping cases. But the leader of France's anti-doping agency says not all results are in, and more tests still could be carried out in the weeks, months or even years to come.

Contador, who had to sit out last year because Astana was banned because of previous doping scandals, finished in 85 hours, 48 minutes, 35 seconds. The race looped from Monaco, across the Mediterranean rim into Spain, up the Pyrenees, diagonally across central and northeastern France to the Alps, and then down to Saturday's race climax on the dreaded Mont Ventoux in southeast France before the Paris finish.

Schleck was 4:11 seconds behind. Armstrong was 5:24 back.

After three straight Tours decided by less than a minute between first and second place, Contador's margin of victory was the largest since Armstrong collected his last title in 2005. And Armstrong was the second-oldest rider to reach the Tour podium. Raymond Poulidor of France was 40 he placed third in 1976.

The 24-year-old Schleck won the white jersey awarded to the Tour's best young rider. Franco Pellizotti of Italy picked up the polka-dot jersey given to the race's King of the Mountains. And Thor Hushovd of Norway beat the 24-year-old Briton rider Mark Cavendish for the green jersey given to the Tour's best Tour sprinter.

Cavendish collected his sixth stage win of this year's Tour in a sprint after the 101.9-mile course ride from Montereau-Fault-Yonne to the Champs-Elysees to become the first rider to win six Tour stages in a sprint.

He made it look easy, winning by several bike lengths in the last mad dash, trailed in second by his own lead-out man on the Columbia team, Mark Renshaw. Tyler Farrar of the United States was third.

``For sure, winning on the Champs-Elysees is a dream for every single sprinter - to see the Arc de Triomphe in the distance,'' Cavendish said.

``I can't go home from this Tour being disappointed.''

Neither did Contador, who's already trying to figure out how to win a third Tour.

Armstrong's future is set. He'll lead a new squad sponsored by RadioShack.

Contador's plans, however, are uncertain. Astana likely will welcome back Alexandre Vinokourov, its fallen former star, after a doping ban. Whether Astana will still have room for Contador, and whether the Spaniard will want to team with Vinokourov, is unknown.

What's very clear is Armstrong and Contador already are relishing the chance to face off again next year, freed of the need to paper over the obvious cracks in their relationship.

``We are totally incompatible,'' Contador said. ``In the end, Armstrong will go his way, and I'll go mine.''

By JAMEY KEATEN, AP Sports Writer

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Alberto Contador Wins Tour de France originally appeared on FanHouse on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alberto Contador Virtually Clinches Tour de France Victory

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

MONT VENTOUX, France (AP) -- Alberto Contador all but sealed his second Tour de France title Saturday, keeping the yellow jersey after a punishing mountain ride in the next to last stage. And almost certain to join him on the podium is Lance Armstrong.

Armstrong, a seven-time champion in his first Tour since 2005, held off attacks from his closest challengers in the dreaded climb up Mont Ventoux to hold third place. The 37-year-old Texan arrived in a small group that included Contador, his Astana teammate, and second-place Andy Schleck of Luxembourg.

Armstrong, coming out of 3 1/2 years of retirement, wanted a higher finish in cycling's showcase race but he knew it wouldn't be easy.

"Hey, I can't complain. ... Coming out here and getting on the podium with these young guys, it's not so bad," he said.

The only thing keeping Contador from adding to his 2007 Tour title is a ceremonial ride into Paris on Sunday. The finale is a flat stage that traditionally doesn't feature breakaways, meaning only an accident can prevent the Spaniard from going down the Champs-Elysees as the winner.

"This Tour has been very difficult," he said. "Even if it could have looked easy from the spectators' point of view, there have been some moments when I doubted about victory."

Juan Manuel Garate of Spain won the 20th stage, a 104-mile course from Montelimar that culminated with a very steep 13-mile ascent to the moonscapelike peak. Massive crowds lined the winding road to the bald-faced mountaintop, possibly shielding the riders from the swirling winds.

Garate entered the stage more than 1 1/2 hours behind Contador. He finished in 4 hours, 39 minutes, 21 seconds, holding off fellow breakaway rider Tony Martin of Germany by three seconds.

Schleck was third, 38 seconds back, in the same time as Contador. Armstrong was fifth, 41 seconds behind Garate, and Frank Schleck was sixth, 43 seconds back.

Armstrong's task to finish among the top three was to hold off two rivals: Bradley Wiggins of Britain began the stage 15 seconds behind the Texan, and Frank Schleck of Luxembourg trailed him by 38.

Armstrong said the start of the ride to Mont Ventoux was a "little aggressive," but his assignment was clear.

"Following Wiggins and following Frank Schleck," he said. "And I had the legs for that."

Contador had a comfortable margin over Andy Schleck, who led at least a half-dozen attacks on the way up the peak.

"All I had to do was control Andy Schleck, and that's what I did," Contador said. "He attacked-it was a good day for him. I was able to rein him in."

Contador leads Andy Schleck overall by 4:11, with Armstrong 5:24 behind. Wiggins is fourth, 6:01 back, and Frank Schleck is fifth, 6:04 behind the Spaniard.

"Today was a difficult day," Contador said. "I had to control Andy Schleck and I managed to do it. He attacked several times. He was enjoying a good day, too. But I was able to resist. I knew that every minute that went by was bringing me closer to a Tour de France victory."

Garate said he dreamed of this stage victory last night.

"This is what I was missing-to claim a Tour stage before retiring," he said on Spanish TV. "Now, although my retirement is not close, I've made it home with the stage. What more can you ask for?"

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Alberto Contador Virtually Clinches Tour de France Victory originally appeared on FanHouse on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alberto Contador Keeps Tour Lead

FanHouse Newswire — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

AUBENAS, France (AP) - Alberto Contador stayed in command at the Tour de France with two days of racing left while teammate Lance Armstrong remained in third place as a daunting mountain climb awaits.

Mark Cavendish of Britain captured Friday's 19th stage in a sprint finish. He became the first racer to win five stages in a single Tour since Armstrong in 2004.

"This is a high point in my career," Cavendish told French TV.

Cavendish edged Thor Hushovd of Norway and Gerald Ciolek of Germany on the relatively flat, 111-mile ride from Bourgoin-Jallieu to Aubenas. Hushovd most likely will win the green jersey awarded to the Tour's best sprinter. They all finished in 3 hours, 50 minutes, 35 seconds.

Armstrong, the seven-time champion, had the same time. He trimmed four seconds off his deficit to Contador and second-place Andy Schleck of Luxembourg.

Contador leads Schleck overall by 4:11 and Armstrong by 5:21 entering the last big stage - Saturday's 104-mile ride from Montelimar to a punishing finish up the famed Mont Ventoux.

The race ends Sunday in Paris, with what is usually a ceremonial ride on the Champs-Elysees for the rider in the yellow jersey.

Overall, Contador leads Schleck by 4:11 and Armstrong by 5:21 heading into the last big stage - Saturday's 104-mile ride from Montelimar to a punishing finish up the famed Mont Ventoux.

"It's really hard. I'd very much like there not to be a climb," Contador said, referring to the widely dreaded mountain. "There's a lot of headwind."

While his lock on the yellow jersey isn't under threat, Contador said his first job Saturday will be to defend it. He also wants to help Armstrong get a spot on the podium.

The extra four seconds that Armstrong collected by riding among the 12-man sprinters' group could come in handy because he is closely trailed in the overall standings for third.

"Tomorrow is the big day, but that's what made the ride today hard because already we're a bit into the stage (mentally)," Schleck said. "Tomorrow it's the legs that will do the talking."

Schleck said that in comparison to Mont Ventoux, L'Alpe d'Huez - another of France's most punishing climbs - is "a piece of cake."

Bradley Wiggins of Britain, a three-time Olympic pursuit champion who has fared well in the mountains this year, is fourth - 15 seconds slower than the Texan. Germany's Andreas Kloeden is fifth, 17 seconds behind his Astana teammate Armstrong.

Perhaps the top threat to Armstrong's podium hopes is Schleck's older brother, Frank. He is a strong climber who is sixth overall - 5:59 behind Contador and 38 seconds slower than Armstrong.

By JAMEY KEATEN, AP Sports Writer

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Alberto Contador Keeps Tour Lead originally appeared on FanHouse on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Armstrong Announces New Team for Next Year's Tour

FanHouse Newswire — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:01:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

ANNECY, France (AP) -- Lance Armstrong and RadioShack are forming a new cycling team that will compete in next year's Tour de France.

The seven-time Tour winner, who returned to cycling after 3 1/2 years of retirement, also said Thursday he expects to take part in running and triathlon events for Team RadioShack beginning in 2010.

"RadioShack has agreed to partner with us on this venture and ensure that this partnership and this team stays alive for years to come, continues to be at the head of the peloton," Armstrong said in a video on his Livestrong Web site.

The 37-year-old Texan is riding this year's Tour with the Kazakh-funded Astana team. He was in third place overall after Thursday's time trial, 5 minutes and 25 seconds behind teammate Alberto Contador.

"It's a huge opportunity for us as an organization and as a cancer survivor. It's pretty mega," Armstrong added after the stage in Annecy.

In a statement released by RadioShack, Armstrong said he has had "a great season so far" but is hoping for an even better one next year.

"To be able to compete for an American team comprised of the world's top cyclists, supported by the best coaches and staff - I couldn't be happier," he said.

Armstrong did not indicate who else might join Team RadioShack, but he's expected to build a squad fully devoted to his ambitions. Armstrong has spent much of this year's race in support of Contador, who is expected to join another team next season.

"I heard that Lance was launching a new structure," Contador said. "But I just want to concentrate on winning the Tour and we will see afterwards."

Garmin-Slipstream's American manager Jonathan Vaughters, a former Armstrong teammate, said that none of his riders will join the new RadioShack team.

"All our riders but one will be under contract next year," Vaughters said. "That rider is faithful to the team."

Armstrong also did not say whether his longtime friend Johan Bruyneel, Astana's current manager, would join his new team. Bruyneel was with Armstrong for each of his Tour victories.

Armstrong said RadioShack will help his Livestrong Foundation in its fight against cancer. He said the electronics chain, with about 35,000 employees in nearly 6,000 stores, can provide the resources to field a team that can compete in the world's premier cycling race.

"We have an incredible opportunity to leverage RadioShack's connection to tens of millions of people to spread the Livestrong message," Armstrong said. "Also, in cycling, the technology we use on our bikes matters - it allows us to compete at the highest level. It's important to me to partner with a brand that understands the role technology plays in people's lives."

Cycling's governing body president Pat McQuaid welcomed the creation of the new team.

"It's excellent news because it is a new American team, and it's a new sponsor coming into the sport," McQuaid said by phone. "It's definitely good for cycling and for the development of the sport in America. Look at what Armstrong has brought to the Tour de France this year. He's bringing the fame again to the sport of cycling next year, that's a good thing."

Astana has struggled with financial problems this year. In May, the International Cycling Union threatened to withdraw Astana's racing license after riders went unpaid for two months.

Armstrong is riding for free this season, but joined teammates in a protest at the Giro d'Italia when they wore jerseys with the sponsor's name faded out.

McQuaid couldn't say whether the RadioShack team would be granted the UCI Pro Tour licence, which is given to 20 teams and allows them automatic entry into the most prestigious races.

"I know that they've had their application in on time, which is last Monday," McQuaid said. "It then goes through a process of evaluation and eventually the license commission takes a decision based on a variety of criteria. I don't involve myself in all that."

RadioShack, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, said it will also sponsor the Livestrong Foundation's signature fundraiser, a 5K run/walk and cycling ride held in four cities throughout the United States.

"We know that cancer research and survivorship is near to the hearts of many of our associates and customers, and together with Lance and his foundation, we have the power to make a meaningful difference," RadioShack CEO Julian Day said.

Armstrong said other sponsors and partners will likely join his new team.

"The usual suspects will be Nike, Trek, maybe a couple others we are working on," he said.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Armstrong Announces New Team for Next Year's Tour originally appeared on FanHouse on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alberto Contador Wins Tour's 18th Stage

FanHouse Newswire — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:17:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

ANNECY, France (AP) - Alberto Contador won the final time trial in the Tour de France on Thursday, and Lance Armstrong moved up one spot to third place overall.

Contador now looks all but assured of his second Tour victory after increasing his overall lead in the 18th stage, in which riders embarked one-by-one down the start ramp for the 40.5-kilometer (25.2-mile) stage in and around Annecy.

The 2007 champion finished the stage in 48 minutes, 31 seconds - beating Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland by 3 seconds. Russia's Mikhail Ignatiev was third, 15 seconds back.

"I went all out," said Contador, adding that his earpiece radio linking him with Astana team managers stopped working during the stage, and that he was worried about Cancellara's skill at time trials.

"Of course, what I especially wanted was to think about general class. A stage victory was less important," he said. "I'm very happy. I didn't expect it."

Armstrong was 16th, 1:30 behind. But he easily overcame a 30-second deficit to Frank Schleck, who began the day in third place but slipped to sixth overall after finishing 2:34 behind Contador.

After the stage, Armstrong said he had "mixed emotions. Sixteenth in a time trial is not a good result, but my ambition is to get on the podium, so I have to be happy with that."

Schleck and his younger brother Andy had bumped Armstrong from second place to fourth a day earlier in the last punishing Alpine stage.

"I suffered," Armstrong said of the time trial. "I probably started too hard and maybe I was just empty from yesterday and those cramps I suffered at the end of the (17th) stage."

Overall, Contador leads Andy Schleck by 4:11, Armstrong is 5:25 back and Britain's Bradley Wiggins is fourth, 5:36 behind. Germany's Andreas Kloeden, an Astana teammate of Contador and Armstrong, is fifth, 5:38 back. Frank Schleck is sixth, 5:59 behind.

While the stage was mostly flat, riders had to contend with the midlevel Bluffy pass climb, which snaked upward for 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) with magnificent vistas over the hill-ringed lake.

Several riders, including British time-trial specialist David Millar, said the course layout favored climbers because of that ascent.

"I felt like I had stopped dead in my tracks," on the climb, Millar said.

The race against the clock started under cloudy skies. The sun eventually broke through, but rain doused the course by late afternoon and left patches of water on the roads.

Armstrong was relatively strong at the start, only 29 seconds slower than Contador through the second intermediate time check at the 25-kilometer mark. His main time deficit came on Bluffy - which peaked at 28.5 kilometers. There, he was 1:12 behind Contador.

"I felt good at the beginning, I felt smooth, but there was a tail wind, so maybe everyone felt good," Armstrong said. "I just wasn't that strong on the climb."

After the stage, the 37-year-old Texan announced that he and U.S. electronics vendor Radio Shack are forming a new cycling team that will compete in next year's Tour.

Armstrong came out of retirement this season to ride for the Kazakh-funded squad headed by his longtime mentor Johan Bruyneel, who led him to his seven straight Tour wins.

After four straight tough stages, riders get a relatively easier ride Friday with a 178-kilometer (110.6-mile) course from Bourgoin-Jallieu to Aubenas.

The biggest remaining race challenge is an uphill finish at Mont Ventoux on Saturday - which Armstrong calls the toughest ascent in France - a day before the race ends on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

The threat for Armstrong is again likely to be the Schleck brothers, who have matched the Americans on the climbs this year.

"I want to protect my position with Andy climbing so well," Armstrong said, "(I) just gotta watch for the moves and don't let him get away."

By JAMEY KEATEN, AP Sports Writer

Alberto Contador Wins Tour's 18th Stage originally appeared on FanHouse on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Armstrong Drops to 4th After 17th Stage

FanHouse Newswire — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:46:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

LE-GRAND-BORNAND, France (AP) - Alberto Contador closed in on victory at the Tour de France Wednesday after finishing second behind Frank Schleck in the 17th stage as the race left the Alps.

Lance Armstrong trailed by more than 2 minutes and fell from second to fourth place overall in the 105-mile ride from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand - seen by many as the toughest stage this year.

The stage likely ended any realistic chance Armstrong had of overtaking his Astana teammate Contador, and the seven-time Tour champion will now have to fight for a place on the podium instead.

Contador held on to the yellow jersey by staying with Schleck and his younger brother Andy in a three-man breakaway at the end of the stage. Andy Schleck finished third while Armstrong was fifth, 2:18 back.

``I'm very proud of myself - I'm proud of my brother,'' Frank Schleck said.

The Schleck brothers both leapfrogged Armstrong in the overall standings, with Andy 2:26 behind Contador in second place and Frank 3:25 behind in third. Armstrong trails Contador by 3:55.

Tour de France Photos

COL DE LA COLOMBIERE, FRANCE - JULY 22: Lance Armstrong (2nd L) of USA and team Astana climbs with Bradley Wiggins (2nd R) and David Millar (R) of Great Britain and team Garmin up de Col de la Colombiere, losing time to the leading pack, during stage 17 of the 2009 Tour de France from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand on July 22, 2009 on Col de la Colombiere, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong;Bradley Wiggins;David Millar

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COL DE LA COLOMBIERE, FRANCE - JULY 22: Lance Armstrong of USA and team Astana climbs flanked by a fan up de Col de la Colombiere during stage 17 of the 2009 Tour de France from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand on July 22, 2009 on Col de la Colombiere, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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COL DE ROMME, FRANCE - JULY 22: Andy Schleck (R) of Luxembourg and team Saxo Bank climbs in the white jersey for best young rider with his teammate and brother stagewinner Frank Schleck (C) and race leader Alberto Contador of Spain and team Astana in the yellow jersey up the Col de Romme during stage 17 of the 2009 Tour de France from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand on July 22, 2009 on Col de Romme, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andy Schleck;Frank Schleck;Alberto Contador

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Alberto Contador of Spain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, left, adjusts his earphone as he rides with teammate Andreas Kloden of Germany, right, in the climb towards Saisies pass during the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 169.5 kilometers (105.3 miles) with start in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and finish in Le Grand-Bornand, Alps region, France, Wednesday July 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

The pack with Alberto Contador of Spain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, bottom right corner, and American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in second position, speed down Saisies pass during the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 169.5 kilometers (105.3 miles) with start in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and finish in Le Grand-Bornand, Alps region, France, Wednesday July 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Combo of the day made on July 22, 2009 during the 169 km and seventeenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Le Grand Bornand, shows, From L, top, 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain celebrating his yellow jersey of overall leader on the podium, Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s rider Frank Schleck of Luxemburg (R) ridding with Alberto Contador of Spain (C) and Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg, the pack ridding and Contador, and Schleck brothers arriving on the finish line. AFP PHOTO PASCAL PAVANI/PATRICK HERTZOG/JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read PASCAL PAVANI/PATRICK HERTZOG/JO/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Alberto Contador of Spain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, center, climbs Saisies pass during the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 169.5 kilometers (105.3 miles) with start in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and finish in Le Grand-Bornand, Alps region, France, Wednesday July 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Thor Hushovd of Norway, wearing the best sprinter's green jersey, climbs Colombiere pass during the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 169.5 kilometers (105.3 miles) with start in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and finish in Le Grand-Bornand, Alps region, France, Wednesday July 22, 2009. Hushovd broke away and won both intermediate sprints securing points for his green jersey. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Yellow jersey of overall leader, 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain (C) rides with Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s Frank Schleck of Luxemburg (R) and Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg (L) on July 22, 2009 in the 169 km and seventeenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Le Grand Bornand. Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s rider Frank Schleck of Luxemburg won ahead of yellow jersey of overall leader, 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain and Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg. AFP PHOTO PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Seven-time Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s Lance Armstrong of the United States (R) rides with US cycling team Garmin-Slipstream (GRM)'s Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain (C) on July 22, 2009 in the 169 km and seventeenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Le Grand Bornand. Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s rider Frank Schleck of Luxemburg won ahead of yellow jersey of overall leader, 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain and Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg. AFP PHOTO JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

The stage featured five climbs, but the drama set in during the last two - the super-steep Romme and Colombiere passes. Contador proved he simply cannot be shaken by his rivals in the mountains.

On the Colombiere, Armstrong couldn't keep up when Contador pulled away with Astana teammate Andreas Kloeden and the Schlecks, who ride for the Saxo Bank team.

Instead, Armstrong stayed back alongside Britain's Bradley Wiggins to protect Contador. Wiggins entered the day in third place overall and would have been helped by any effort from Armstrong to close the gap to the leaders.

So the Texan decided to wait, for a while. With about 8.7 miles left, Armstrong stepped on the gas to leave Wiggins behind.

``I couldn't find my acceleration to go with the other guys,'' Armstrong said. ``I was there stuck with Wiggins. I had to wait until it got steeper, when you knew you could definitely go away.

``I probably should have gone with the early acceleration.''

Armstrong isn't ruling out second place on the podium.

``Yes, it's still my goal, I think it's possible,'' he said.

The elder Schleck collected his second stage win at cycling's premiere event - after winning another Alpine stage in 2006 up to the L'Alpe d'Huez ski station.

The Schlecks were the main attackers against Contador during the final two punishing climbs, and at times took turns relaying each other or trying to shake the Spaniard.

``We bet everything - make or break it,'' Frank Schleck said.'' We deserved to win ... we attacked one after another. We countered well - it was a good tactic.''

When Contador, Kloeden and the Schlecks were alone in front on the Colombiere, the Spaniard surprisingly mounted his own attack on the two brothers - but only his German teammate got dropped.

Contador said he had discussed attacking the Schlecks with team manager Johan Bruyneel by radio, who then advised him to take it up with Kloeden.

``He told me, 'Go for it,''' Contador said.

Levi Leipheimer, an Astana teammate who crashed out of the Tour after breaking his wrist, tweeted: ``Well that wasn't a good move!!''

``If Andreas finishes 4th in GC by less than 2 (minutes) from 3rd, we know where he lost it,'' Leipheimer wrote, referring to the general classification, or overall standings.

Armstrong, Kloeden and Wiggins are stronger time-trial riders than the Schlecks - and could make up ground in the 25.2-mile race against the clock in Annecy on Thursday.

Kloeden finished sixth in the stage and sits fifth overall, 4:44 behind Contador. Wiggins, a three-time Olympic pursuit champion, is sixth overall, 4:53 behind, after finishing seventh in the stage.

In the other individual time-trial this Tour, the first stage in Monaco, Armstrong was 20 seconds faster than Andy Schleck and nearly a minute quicker than Frank Schleck - and that was over only 9.63 miles.

``I just need to work hard on the time-trial tomorrow,'' Armstrong said. ``I've been careful today.''

The Schlecks believe that even if they don't fare well in the time-trial, they could recover any lost time in the race culmination Saturday - an uphill finish at the Mont Ventoux, which Armstrong calls the toughest climb in France.

Politicians nosed in on Wednesday's stage. French President Nicolas Sarkozy rode in a car on the course route, while Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker spoke by telephone with the Schleck brothers to praise their performance.

The Tour ends July 26.

By JAMEY KEATEN, AP Sports Writer

AP Sports Writer Samuel Petrequin contributed to this report.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Armstrong Drops to 4th After 17th Stage originally appeared on FanHouse on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jens Voigt Breaks Orbital Bone in Brutal Tour de France Stage 16 Crash

Tom Herrera — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

Stage 16 of the Tour de France brought us one of the most cringe-worthy crashes yet. Jens Voigt lost control of his bike at high speed on the long descent of the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard and fell heavily on his right side, his body sliding along the pavement. According to the report, Saxo Bank team spokesman Brian Nygaard said Voigt was airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble. (Video after the jump.)

The injuries Voigt sustained included a concussion, a broken orbital bone under one eye, and gashes on his right side that required stitches. The German cyclist was reportedly kept overnight for observation, but he's in good spirits and sent a message to his teammates assuring them he would be fine.

For more on Voigt, be sure to check out Bonnie D. Ford's great piece at ESPN.

Jens Voigt Breaks Orbital Bone in Brutal Tour de France Stage 16 Crash originally appeared on FanHouse on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After Stage 16, Armstrong Still Hopeful

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

BOURG-SAINT-MAURICE, France (AP) - Lance Armstrong mustered one of his strongest showings yet at this Tour de France on Tuesday, a dazzling burst of acceleration from yesteryear that allowed him to keep second place.

The seven-time champion was so buoyed by the performance that he suggested to The Associated Press he could still contend for the yellow jersey if teammate and race leader Alberto Contador has a "bad day."

Armstrong, speaking after the 16th stage in the Alps, stressed he doesn't expect that to happen and only a "big shake-up" would allow for such a scenario.Contador, the 2007 Tour winner, had to fight to retain the overall lead in the 99-mile stage from the Swiss town of Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France, which was won by Mikel Astarloza of Spain.

As Contador tried to keep pace with two attackers on the final climb, the 37-year-old Texan lagged. But after dropping back at least 35 seconds, he popped out of his saddle and recovered lost ground.

"I had no choice. ... So I waited until we had a steeper section and then I got away with an acceleration," he said.

Contador was impressed, but not surprised.

"It's easy to explain - he's a very great rider," said Contador, who leads his Astana teammate by 1:37. "He was in the past, and he showed it once again."

Tour de France Photos

Euskaltel-Euskadi's Mikel Astarloza of Spain reacts on the finish line as he wins the 16th stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Martigny and Bourg Saint Maurice July 21, 2009. REUTERS/Charles Platiau (FRANCE SPORT CYCLING IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND - JULY 21: Mark Cavendish of Great Britain and Team Columbia HTC prior to the start of stage 16 of the 2009 Tour de France from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on July 21, 2009 in Martigny, Switzerland. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish

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Bbox Bouygues Telecom rider Yukiya Arashiro of Japan cycles during the 16th stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Martigny and Bourg Saint Maurice July 21, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE SPORT CYCLING)

Reuters

MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND - JULY 21: Mark Cavendish of Great Britain and Team Columbia HTC waves to the crowd prior to signing in for stage 16 of the 2009 Tour de France from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on July 21, 2009 in Martigny, Switzerland. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Cavendish

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MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND - JULY 21: Lance Armstrong of the USA and Astana arrives at the start of stage 16 of the 2009 Tour de France from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on July 21, 2009 in Martigny, Switzerland. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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COL DU PETIT-SAINT-BERNARD, ITALY - JULY 21: Andy Schleck of Luxembourg and team Saxo Bank, wearing the white jersey for best young rider, rides with the leading pack up the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard during stage 16 of the 2009 Tour de France from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on July 21, 2009 on Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, Italy. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andy Schleck

Getty Images

MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND - JULY 21: Race leader Alberto Contador of Spain and team Astana stands in the yellow jersey with Andy Schleck (L) of Luxembourg and team Saxo Bank, wearing the white jersey for best young rider, prior to the start of stage 16 of the 2009 Tour de France from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on July 21, 2009 in Martigny, Switzerland. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alberto Contador;Andy Schleck

Getty Images

MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND - JULY 21: Race leader Alberto Contador of Spain and team Astana stands in the yellow jersey amid other riders prior to the start of stage 16 of the 2009 Tour de France from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on July 21, 2009 in Martigny, Switzerland. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alberto Contador

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MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND - JULY 21: Race leader Alberto Contador of Spain and team Astana greets in the yellow jersey Andy Schleck (L) of Luxembourg and team Saxo Bank wearing the white jersey for best young rider prior to the start of stage 16 of the 2009 Tour de France from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on July 21, 2009 in Martigny, Switzerland. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alberto Contador;Andy Schleck

Getty Images

Contador and Armstrong finished in a small group of race leaders behind Astarloza. The route featured the highest peak this year, the snowcapped Grand-Saint-Bernard pass on the Swiss-Italian border, at 8,113 feet, and its sister the Petit-Saint-Bernard pass, on the Italian-French border.

Armstrong says he's feeling better on his bike than he did during Sunday's entree into the Alps, when Contador dusted him and the entire pack on the ride up to the Swiss ski station of Verbier.

"I made some changes to my position yesterday - I raised the seat height," he said. "So in general, I was pedaling better today."

Armstrong, back at the Tour after 3 1/2 years of retirement, committed himself to help Contador win the three-week race after the Spaniard took the yellow jersey that day. Armstrong appeared to shut down his own ambitions then. But at cycling's main event - which ends Sunday in Paris - anything can happen.

"If there was a massive shake-up and something happened, then I'd have to be strong - to represent the interests of the team," Armstrong said. "But I don't think that's going to happen."

"If he were to have a bad day, I think I could cover the moves for the team," he added. "But I don't think he's going to have a bad day."

In the interview, Armstrong was coy about competing next year, saying only: "There's a pretty good chance I'll be there."

But in an e-mail to the AP later in the day, Armstrong's manager Mark Higgins said the Texan will "for sure" be part of the race next year.

Asked whether he plans to announce a new team, , as has been widely speculated, Armstrong told the AP: "Come on, man, you're killing me ... let's talk about music or something."

On his Twitter account Tuesday, he wrote that his team has a new American sponsor for next year, but he wouldn't provide details until Thursday.

Armstrong already has shown his guile and guts at this Tour. He eclipsed Contador in the standings in Stage 3, by cleverly catching a ride in a wind-swept lead group. In the opening day time trial, he was 10th - 40 seconds behind Swiss winner Fabian Cancellara - and only 22 seconds slower than Contador.

But the Spaniard clearly has been the strongest man in the mountains. He outpaced Armstrong in both uphill finishes this year - in Andorra, in the seventh stage, and in Verbier.

Contador had a struggle on his hands in fending off brothers Andy and Frank Schleck of Luxembourg on the Petit-Saint-Bernard, the second of the day's climbs.

"I gave my maximum, " he said. "I could resist but not without difficulty. I'm happy after this difficult day."

Astarloza, who rides for the Euskadi Euskaltel team, thrust his fists in the air and kissed his fingers as he crossed the line in 4 hours, 14 minutes, 20 seconds. He was six seconds ahead of French riders Sandy Casar and Pierrick Fedrigo.

With a little more than a mile to go, the Spaniard escaped three other breakaway riders with him and held on for his first stage win on the Tour.

"This is the biggest day of my career," Astarloza said.

Contador, Armstrong, fourth-placed teammate Andreas Kloeden and third-placed Bradley Wiggins of Britain all finished 59 seconds after Astarloza.

Overall, Contador leads Wiggins, of the U.S. team Garmin, by 1:46. Kloeden is 2:17 back, and Andy Schleck of Saxo Bank is fifth, trailing by 2:26.

Two-time Tour runner-up Cadel Evans of Australia, who finished 3:55 back, was one of the big losers. He fell to 17th from 14th and trails Contador by 7:23.

The course ended with a 19-mile downhill run, and the final descent was perilous: Jens Voigt of Germany crashed either from a bicycle malfunction or a bump in the road. The Tour's medical staff said he severely bruised his face and right elbow and was flown by helicopter to a hospital in the French city of Grenoble.

"He lost consciousness for a while, but he should be OK," CSC team manager Bjarne Riis said. "For me, it's a good sign."

During the stage, Astana said one of its vehicles was stopped and searched by customs officials at the Swiss-French border, adding nothing of concern was found.

Pope Benedict XVI sent greetings to riders and organizers as the pack passed close to the Alpine retreat of Les Combes, overlooking Mont Blanc, where the pontiff is staying.

Wednesday's stage features what some riders fear is the toughest Alpine route this year - a 105-mile ride from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand marked by five tough climbs and another downhill finish.

By JAMEY KEATEN and SAMUEL PETREQUIN, AP Sports Writers

After Stage 16, Armstrong Still Hopeful originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pope Sends Greetings to Tour de France

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:11:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

LES COMBES, Italy (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI has sent his greetings to the Tour de France, saying commitment in sports must always be accompanied by respect for moral values.

The pope made his remarks to the riders and organizers Tuesday when the race heads to Italy and passes near the Alpine village where he is vacationing.

The pope broke his right wrist during a fall last week. He is scheduled to remain in Les Combes, a mountain retreat overlooking Mont Blanc, until July 29.

Pope Sends Greetings to Tour de France originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lance Armstrong Finds New Sponsor for 2010 Team

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

BOURG-SAINT-MAURICE, France (AP) -- Lance Armstrong says he's found a new American sponsor to back Astana next year. He won't say if he will stay with the team or start his own squad.

"Making a very cool announcement on Thursday re: a new American partner for our team in 2010 (and beyond). Stay tuned!" Armstrong said on his Twitter feed Tuesday, without elaborating.

The seven-time Tour de France champion returned to competition this year after 3 1/2 years of retirement, and has previously hinted he could ride for another season, including a return to the Tour.

Armstrong told The Associated Press by phone after Tuesday's 16th stage he was leaning toward riding in next year's Tour.

"There's a pretty good chance I'll be there," Armstrong said.

He wouldn't say whether he will quit Astana, which has been hampered by serious financial problems this year.

In an e-mail to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Armstrong's manager Mark Higgins wrote that he will ride "for sure" in the 2010 Tour.

In May, the International Cycling Union threatened to withdraw Astana's racing license after riders went unpaid for two months. Armstrong is riding for free this season but led teammates in a protest at the Giro d'Italia when they wore jerseys with the sponsor's name faded out.

Astana receives most of its financial support from Kazakh state holding company Samruk-Kazyna, but the central Asian nation's economy has been hard hit by the global financial crisis.

Before the Giro, Armstrong said he received "high interest" from sponsors willing to back his cycling team if he took control of Astana.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Lance Armstrong Finds New Sponsor for 2010 Team originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Armstrong No Longer the Alpha Male

David Whitley — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:35:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

When historians try to pinpoint the most heartbreaking day of the year, they need look only at Sunday and listen to this phrase.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm happy to be his domestique."

That's what Lance Armstrong said after the famed Pontarlier-to-Verbier leg of the Tour de France. And as far as I'm concerned, the second-greatest story of the year just had its tires punctured with 500 miles to go.

The greatest would have been Tom Watson winning the British Open at age 89, or whatever he is. Right behind would have been a 37-year-old coming out of retirement to win the world's greatest bicycle race.

Like a lot of people, I wouldn't know a peloton if it came up and handed me a business card. But like a lot of people, I was psyched to spend the next few days watching Armstrong try to do the impossible.

The perfect ending would have been him riding into Paris on Sunday in the yellow jersey, again sticking it to all those sniveling French who've made careers out of accusing Armstrong of cheating.

Now he's using one of the many French words for surrender.

Domestique.

The proper translation is "servant." It's a respectable fate in cycling circles. It's just so un-Lancelike.

The guy is John Wayne in spandex. He kicked cancer's butt. He won seven straight Tour de Frances, dated Sheryl Crow and inspired millions to overcome their obstacles.

Armstrong didn't need another win to establish his credentials as a living legend. He just couldn't contain that inner drive that propelled him over the Alps, the Pyrenees and whatever else got in his way.

Off he went on his grand adventure, and we were thrilled to go along for the ride. Now he's going Domestique on us. John Wayne is putting on an apron.

Armstrong will spend the next six days working for teammate Alberto Contador. He'll run interference, chase down breakaways, deliver food, take dictation and basically do whatever it takes to make sure Contador wins.

The 27-year-old Spaniard blew everybody away in the final miles of Sunday's 129-mile stage. Armstrong is still in second place, only 1:37 behind. Considering there are still five stages left, that doesn't seem like a bad spot to be.

Shows how much I know about cycling, and why it will never be a major sport.

Contador and Armstrong both pedal for Astana. They've been doing a Kobe and Shaq routine for the past couple of weeks, each believing they are the better player.

Contador was definitely better Sunday, so now Armstrong is bound by the unwritten code of cycling ethics. Or maybe they really are written. All I know is our man Lance has to support Contador or he'll be considered the Terrell Owens of cycling.

"There has been a lot of drama about Alberto and me, especially in the media," Armstrong said. "But at the end of the day we all sit around the table, around the teammates, and the last thing we can do is lose the Tour. I'm gonna do my best and be a solid teammate."

Considering we spend our lives criticizing egomaniacal athletes who put themselves before their teams, it's hard to criticize Armstrong. He is essentially saying that he's not bigger than the sport. The problem is he is bigger than the sport.

Most of us haven't bothered to learn cycling protocol. We have been taught that it ain't over till it's over, the opera isn't over until the fat lady sings and in the immortal words of John Blutarsky, "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor ?

"Hell, no!"

If you're not up on your Animal House trivia, Bluto and the boys from the Delta house then transformed a '66 Lincoln Continental into the Deathmobile and wiped out Faber College's Homecoming Parade.

With cycling, it apparently is over before it's over. I don't expect Armstrong to channel John Belushi. It's just hard to accept the fact that his Tour de France is over and the Champs-Elysees is still six days away.

It feels like a baseball team giving up in the seventh inning or a golfer giving up with six holes to play. Thank goodness Watson didn't do that on Sunday or we wouldn't have had one of the most memorable tournaments in history.

That was the British Open, however, this is Tour de France. The domestique is singing even though the race isn't over.

As odd as that seems, it's really hard to hear it from Lance Armstrong.

Tour de France Photos

New overall leader Spain's Alberto Contador from team Astana attends a press conference during the rest day at the 96th Tour de France cycling race, in Sion, Switzerland, Monday, July 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Keystone/Jean-Christophe Bott)

From left, Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara, Luxembourg's Andy Schleck, manager Bjarne Riis, and Luxembourg's Frank Schleck from team Saxo Bank, attend a press conference during the rest day of the 96th Tour de France cycling race, in Verbier, Switzerland, Monday, July 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Keystone, Jean-Christophe Bott)

Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara from team Saxo Bank at the start of a training ride during the rest day of the 96th Tour de France cycling race, in Verbier, Switzerland, Monday, July 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Keystone, Jean-Christophe Bott)

Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara from team Saxo Bank is seen prior to starting a training ride during the rest day of the 96th Tour de France cycling race, in Verbier, Switzerland, Monday, July 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Keystone, Jean-Christophe Bott)

From left, Fabian Cancellara from Switzerland, Luxembourg's Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck from team Saxo Bank start a training ride during the rest day of the 96th Tour de France cycling race, in Verbier, Switzerland, Monday, July 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Keystone, Jean-Christophe Bott)

Astana rider Alberto Contador of Spain uses a whistle to jokingly push the press motorcycles away during a training session on a rest day of the 96th Tour de France cycling race, in Sion July 20, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (SWITZERLAND SPORT CYCLING IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

SION, SWITZERLAND - JULY 20: Lance Armstrong of the USA and Astana trains with his team on the second rest day of the 2009 Tour de France on July 20, 2009 in Sion, Switzerland. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

Getty Images

SION, SWITZERLAND - JULY 20: New Tour de France race leader Alberto Contador of Spain and Astana relaxes at his hotel on the second rest day of the 2009 Tour de France on July 20, 2009 in Sion, Switzerland. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alberto Contador

Getty Images

SION, SWITZERLAND - JULY 20: Lance Armstrong of the USA leads the Astana team on a training ride on the second rest day of the 2009 Tour de France on July 20, 2009 in Sion, Switzerland. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

Getty Images

Armstrong No Longer the Alpha Male originally appeared on FanHouse on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Armstrong No Longer Contador's Concern

FanHouse Newswire — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

SION, Switzerland (AP) -- The tension with Lance Armstrong is all but gone in the crisp mountain air and the line of authority is clear. Now, Alberto Contador wants to concentrate on those teams intent on seizing his Tour de France lead.

The Spaniard used Monday's rest day to lay out his plan of attack to keep the yellow jersey he won by capturing the first stage in the Alps a day earlier.

Contador, the 2007 Tour champion, said his lead over other contenders "looks good" so far, but cautioned: "It's not done yet, we still have a hard week left to go."

Armstrong, the seven-time champion who returned to the race after 3 1/2 years of retirement, is in second overall - 1 minute, 37 seconds behind his Astana teammate.

The 37-year-old Texan has conceded that his chances of victory on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Sunday are slim. He pledged to be a faithful support rider for Contador.

"Yesterday, he gave me his support, and I believe him," Contador told a news conference at a team hotel in the Swiss town of Sion, near the start of Tuesday's 16th stage in Martigny.

On his Twitter page Monday, Armstrong wrote: "Just finished a easy ride on rest day (No.) 2. Beautiful here in Sion, Switzerland. Lots of vines."

Armstrong wasn't speaking to reporters Monday, Astana spokesman Philippe Maertens said. But a week earlier, after the two riders leapfrogged each other in the standings, Armstrong referred to "tension" within the team.

That's all but vanished now.

"We have come down a lot from the level of tension, both at the (team) dinner table and on the course," Contador said.

He said his top concern in the punishing final week is Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, a strong climber who is 2:26 behind in fifth place.

Bradley Wiggins of Britain, a strong time-trial rider who has proved his ability to climb at this Tour, is third and 1:46 back. Contador said Wiggins will be "dangerous" in Thursday's time trial in Annecy.

Tour de France Photos

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"I still have a small gap with him, (and) he's one of my biggest competitors now," the Spaniard said. "So maybe I'll try to take some more time on him beforehand. We'll see."

Astana's Andreas Kloeden of Germany is fourth, meaning Contador is counting on two teammates in the top five to help him to retain the jersey. But Contador won't wait to be attacked.

"I would sleep better if the gap was bigger," he said. "It all depends on how the stages develop. If I can take advantage of some situations, I'll do it."

Tuesday's 99-mile stage from Martigny, Switzerland to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France, marks the second of three Alpine rides this year. It features the Grand-Saint-Bernard and Petit-Saint-Bernard passes, each about 14 miles.

Then, Contador expects Wednesday's 17th stage to be the week's toughest. The course takes riders up five climbs, including the super-steep Colombiere and Romme passes.

Friday marks a relatively flat stage before the race climax this year - an uphill finish at Mont Ventoux, which Armstrong has called the hardest climb in France - on the next-to-last day.

Contador knows he'll need to be on guard, and in form.

"You can always have a bad day in cycling, then the others will attack," he said. "But it's my job not to let it happen."

By JAMEY KEATEN, AP Sports Writer

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Armstrong No Longer Contador's Concern originally appeared on FanHouse on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contador Takes Stage 15, Yellow Jersey

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

VERBIER, Switzerland (AP) -- Lance Armstrong all but conceded the Tour de France on Sunday to his teammate and rival Alberto Contador after the Spaniard blew away the pack and seized the yellow jersey as the race entered the Alps.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm happy to be a domestique," Armstrong said, using French cycling jargon for a backup rider. "I'm proud of him."

The seven-time Tour champion moved up from fourth to second in the standings but lost time to his Astana teammate, whom he now trails by 1 minute, 37 seconds.

Contador, the 2007 Tour champ, basked in the support from the Texan.

"Lance Armstrong was my idol, but dropping him today wasn't important-he was just like any other rider. ... It's an honor for me to have him working for me," he told reporters through a translator.

The 26-year-old Spaniard broke away from other pre-race favorites with 3.5 miles left in the 128.9-mile ride from Pontarlier, France to the Swiss ski resort of Verbier-and he kept extending his lead to the finish.

"I'm very happy with this result. The climb wasn't that long, but I wanted to make a difference," said Contador, who looked fresh and tapped his chest as he finished. "I gave the maximum."

Contador came into Sunday's stage in third place overall, 6 seconds behind Rinaldo Nocentini, who had led the race for eight days. Contador finished in 5 hours, 3 minutes, 58 seconds.

Andy Schleck of Luxembourg was second in the stage, 43 seconds back, and Vincenzo Nibali of Italy was third, 1:03 back. Nocentini was 2:36 off the pace.

Armstrong, who had entered the day fourth overall and 8 seconds behind Nocentini, finished ninth, 1:35 behind his teammate.

Bradley Wiggins of Britain climbed from sixth place to third, 1:46 adrift of the Spaniard.

Armstrong's rivalry with Contador, on ice during last week's mostly flat stages, was set to re-ignite in Verbier.

Contador said Sunday's result left no doubt about who should be considered the Astana team leader.

"The differences now are pretty big, and the team's bet should now be me, no?" Contador said. "I'm sure my teammates are going to put in great work to back me up just like they did today."

Tour de France Photos

VERBIER, SWITZERLAND- JULY 19: Lance Armstrong of the USA and Astana rides up the final climb on stage 15 of the 2009 Tour de France from Pontarlier to Verbier on July 18, 2009 in Verbier, Switzerland. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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Fans watch the race on a computer screen along the road on July 19, 2009 during the 207,5 km and fifteenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Pontarlier and Verbier (Switzerland). 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain won ahead of Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg and Italian cycling team Liquigas (LIQ)'s Vincenzo Nibali of Italy. AFP PHOTO LIONEL BONAVENTURE (Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images)

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VERBIER, SWITZERLAND - JULY 19: New race leader Alberto Contador of Spain and team Astana kisses the yellow jersey on the podium after winning stage 15 of the 2009 Tour de France from Pontarlier to Verbier on July 19, 2009 in Verbier, Switzerland. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alberto Contador

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Fans dressed up as Christmas fathers pose with a Tour de France umbrella on July 19, 2009 during the 207,5 km and fifteenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Pontarlier and Verbier (Switzerland). 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain won ahead of Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg and Italian cycling team Liquigas (LIQ)'s Vincenzo Nibali of Italy. AFP PHOTO LIONEL BONAVENTURE (Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

A fan, wearing a polka dot jersey of best climber, looks for something to drink in his fridge on July 19, 2009 during the 207,5 km and fifteenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Pontarlier and Verbier (Switzerland). 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain won ahead of Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg and Italian cycling team Liquigas (LIQ)'s Vincenzo Nibali of Italy. AFP PHOTO LIONEL BONAVENTURE (Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Australian fans pose on July 19, 2009 during the 207,5 km and fifteenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Pontarlier and Verbier (Switzerland). 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain won ahead of Danish cycling team Team Saxo Bank (SAX)'s leader Andy Schleck of Luxemburg and Italian cycling team Liquigas (LIQ)'s Vincenzo Nibali of Italy. AFP PHOTO LIONEL BONAVENTURE (Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

VERBIER, SWITZERLAND - JULY 19: Lance Armstrong of USA and team Astana crosses the finishline at the end of stage 15 of the 2009 Tour de France from Pontarlier to Verbier on July 19, 2009 in Verbier, Switzerland. Armstrong stands second in the overall standings after stage 15 with 1 minute and 37 seconds behind his teammate, new race leader Alberto Contador of Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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Combo of the day made on July 19, 2009 the 207,5 km and fifteenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Pontarlier and Verbier (Switzerland), shows From L, top, 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain jubilating on the finish line after winning the stage and getting the yellow jersey of overall leader, Seven-time Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s Lance Armstrong of the United States (C) ridding with Belgian cycling team Silence-Lotto (SIL)'s leader Cadel Evans of Australia and Swiss cycling team Cervelo (CTT)'s rider Carlos Sastre of Spain (L), Contador ridding in the last kilometers and Contador jubilating on the podium. AFP PHOTO PATRICK HERTZOG/LIONEL BONAVENTURE/PASCAL PAVANI/JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/LIONEL BONAVENTU/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Armstrong conceded that Contador had been superior.

"I think when Alberto went, he showed he's the best rider in the race, certainly the best climber. ... Hats off to him," Armstrong said.

The American vowed that he would not go against the interests of the team by attacking Contador later in the race.

"That's not going to happen," he said. "There's been a lot of drama between Alberto and me ... but at the end of the day we sit as a team."

Sunday's ride was the first of three stages in the Alps, and the only one of those with an uphill finish. The 5.5-mile ascent from the valley up to Verbier was the first time that the Tour has visited the ski resort.

Ten breakaway riders set the pace from early on in the stage, and chiseled out a maximum gap of 4:40 by the 78-mile mark-before the peloton gradually started closing in.

Armstrong hugged Contador's rear wheel as the climb began, but didn't try to keep up when the Spaniard burst ahead of the small group they were in 3.5 miles from the finish.

The Texan at times rose out of his bike saddle during the final climb with his jersey open and his necklace swinging left and right. Contador, alone with 2.3 kilometers to go, angrily swatted back some fans who were running beside him on the climb.

Riders get a rest day on Monday before the two other Alpine stages, an individual time trial in Annecy on Thursday, and a ride up the dreaded Mont Ventoux on Saturday.

The Tour ends Sunday in Paris.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Contador Takes Stage 15, Yellow Jersey originally appeared on FanHouse on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spectator Killed by Police Motorcycle in Rare Tour de France Accident

Tom Herrera — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:40:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

The 14th stage of the Tour de France was marred by a fatal accident Saturday, as a 61-year-old woman crossing the road was struck and killed by a police motorcycle escorting riders. Two other spectators -- identified as ages 36 and 61 -- were injured after the motorcycle skidded into them, but thankfully are not in serious condition.

Lance Armstrong expressed condolences to the woman's family on his Twitter feed: "Our deepest condolences 2 the family of the lady who was killed today along the route. There's many close calls between riders and spectators ... As well as the police, pub caravan, directors cars, etc. Sad news. May she RIP."

This was the first fatal accident on the Tour de France since 2002, when a boy was hit by sponsors' vehicles. Tour organizers took action by reducing the number of sponsor vehicles on the course.

"Security is the priority of Tour de France organizers," Tour director Christian Prudhomme said after this latest incident. "There is absolutely no doubt about that."

Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux has ordered a police inquiry and reminded spectators to take all precautions. According to the AP story, a total of 23,000 police officers are deployed on the Tour.

There will be a minute of silence to honor the woman before Sunday's 15th stage in Pontarlier, as well as in remembrance of a young cycling fan from the region who died in a car crash last month.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Spectator Killed by Police Motorcycle in Rare Tour de France Accident originally appeared on FanHouse on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Armstrong Fumes as Old Friend Hincapie Is Deprived of Tour Yellow

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

BESANCON, France (AP) -- Lance Armstrong was unfazed about slipping to fourth place at the Tour de France. Instead, he was riled that his former lieutenant, George Hincapie, was deprived of the yellow jersey - allegedly by a rival U.S. team.

Hincapie, the only man to be a teammate of Armstrong on all seven of his Tour victories, came within 5 seconds of the race lead in the 14th stage won Saturday by Russia's Serguei Ivanov.

The ride was marred by the death of a 61-year-old woman spectator after she was hit by an escorting police motorcycle while she crossed the course route. Two other fans were injured.

Columbia rider Hincapie finished the 124-mile stage from Colmar to Besancon in an 8-man group just 16 seconds after the Russian, who was 5 minutes, 36 seconds ahead of the main race contenders.

More Tour de France Coverage: Female Spectator Killed in Accident

Starting the stage as the highest-placed rider in the breakaway group, 5:25 behind leader Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy, Hincapie had a shot to swipe the leader's yellow shirt.

Instead, as Armstrong and his Astana team claimed, the U.S. squad Garmin-Slipstream pressed the pace in a way that helped the Italian hold a slim lead over Hincapie.

Armstrong, on his Twitter feed, took aim at Garmin-Slipstream, which competes with Columbia for dibs as the top American squad at the Tour this year.

"No one wanted George in yellow more than me," he tweeted.

"Until 10km (6.2 miles) to go he was solidly in yellow until GARMIN put on the gas and made sure it didn't happen," Armstrong wrote.

Hincapie, "deserves to be in yellow tonight. He deserves more than that," he added.

French TV cameras showed Hincapie as he watched Nocentini's pack cross the finish line - and he harumphed in frustration that he had not garnered the yellow shirt.

"I don't know why you would do that with George at this stage of his career," Columbia manager Bob Stapleton said.

"I mean that's a victory for everybody. That's something that would have gotten attention all over the U.S., that would have been good for the whole sport in America," he said.

A Garmin spokeswoman didn't respond to calls from The Associated Press seeking comment after the stage.

Lance Armstrong Photos

BESANCON, FRANCE - JULY 18: Lance Armstrong (R) of USA and team Astana communicates with his team by radio during stage 14 of the 2009 Tour de France from Colmar to Besancon on July 18, 2009 in Besancon, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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BESANCON, FRANCE - JULY 18: Lance Armstrong (R) of USA and team Astana rides during stage 14 of the 2009 Tour de France from Colmar to Besancon on July 18, 2009 in Besancon, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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BESANCON, FRANCE - JULY 18: Lance Armstrong of USA and team Astana communicates with his team by radio during stage 14 of the 2009 Tour de France from Colmar to Besancon on July 18, 2009 in Besancon, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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COLMAR, FRANCE - JULY 17: Lance Armstrong (R) of USA and team Astana rides with the peloton during stage 14 of the 2009 Tour de France from Colmar to Besancon on July 18, 2009 in Besancon, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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The Astana team with American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, fourth from right with black helmet, leads the chase of the pack during the 14th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 199 kilometers (123.7 miles) with start in Colmar and finish in Besancon, eastern France, Saturday July 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Combo of the day made on July 18, 2009 during the 199 km and fourteenth stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Colmar and Besancon, shows, From L, top, Russian cycling team Team Katusha (KAT)'s Serguei Ivanov of Russia jubilating on the finish line after winning the stage, 2007 Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s leader Alberto Contador of Spain (2ndL) ridding with teammate, Seven-time Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s Lance Armstrong of the United States, US cycling Team Columbia-High Road (THR)'s George Hincapie of the United States ridding in a breakaway and yellow jersey of overall leader, French cycling team AG2R-La Mondiale (ALM)'s Rinaldo Nocentini celebrating his yellow jersey of overall leader on the podium. AF PHOTO LIONEL BONAVENTURE/JOEL SAGET/PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/JOEL SAGET/PA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

COLMAR, FRANCE - JULY 18: Lance Armstrong (R) of USA and team Astana rides with the peloton during stage 14 of the 2009 Tour de France from Colmar to Besancon on July 18, 2009 in Besancon, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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BESANCON, FRANCE - JULY 18: Lance Armstrong (4th R) of USA and team Astana rides with the peloton during stage 14 of the 2009 Tour de France from Colmar to Besancon on July 18, 2009 in Besancon, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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BESANCON, FRANCE - JULY 18: Lance Armstrong (L) of USA and team Astana rides with the peloton during stage 14 of the 2009 Tour de France from Colmar to Besancon on July 18, 2009 in Besancon, France. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Armstrong

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For Armstrong, it was little matter that Hincapie's performance put him in second overall, bumping him and Astana teammate Alberto Contador each down a notch in the standings.

Contador, who too said he hoped Hincapie would take the race lead, dropped from second to third, but remains 6 seconds behind Nocentini. The Texan fell from third to fourth, 8 seconds back.

Sentiment aside, Hincapie in yellow would have meant that his powerful Columbia team would take on the tough job of protecting the race lead in Sunday's 15th stage - the first ride in the Alps and a likely pivot point for the overall race standings. Astana, with its big stars, could let Columbia do the work of leading the pack.

Astana doesn't consider Hincapie a threat for overall Tour victory when the race ends next Sunday in Paris. He isn't expected to fare as well as Contador and Armstrong in the Alps or in a critical individual time trial in and near Annecy in Thursday's Stage 18.

"Garmin just wanted to prevent another American team from taking the yellow jersey. It's not right," Astana manager Johan Bruyneel said. "It's not very sporting.

"It's a story that I think will continue," he said.

"Given the history we have with George, I would have liked him to take the jersey - but independent of that, I don't think it was a fair way of racing," he added.

Columbia sustained a second blow Saturday: its star sprinter, Mark Cavendish of Britain, was fined and penalized by Tour officials for blocking his rival Thor Hushovd in a final sprint. The two men are competing for the green jersey awarded to the Tour's best sprinter.

Cavendish was demoted to last place in the stage, vastly denting his hopes of taking home the green jersey by depriving him of points he could have gained in the discipline. Hushovd has the green jersey.

For Ivanov, the day was much more fulfilling. He made a sign of the cross as he finished in 4 hours, 37 minutes, 46 seconds after escaping the breakaway group with 6.8 miles left.

The 34-year-old Russian national champion, who also won a Tour stage in 2001, splayed out on a curb after finishing so he could catch his breath.

"It's an amazing victory," he said, explaining in English his retreat to the curb. "I didn't have any more air. I was just 2 minutes, breathing, breathing ... I was very tired.

"I gave all my energy on the last 10 k's. "

Ivanov rose to 56th place overall, 27:47 behind Nocentini. The Russian had entered the day's stage in 62th place, 33:23 back.

The race moves into the Alps for Sunday's 15th stage, a 128.9-mile ride from Pontarlier, France, to the Swiss ski station of Verbier.

Strong climbers will be the riders to watch, including two-time Tour runner-up Cadel Evans of Australia, 2008 Tour champion Carlos Sastre of Spain, and Andy Schleck of Luxembourg.

Schleck is 1:49 behind Nocentini, who is not seen as a title threat, while Sastre is 2:52 back and Evans trails by 3:07. Astana senses it's now or never for them to make their move - or not at all.

"I think Andy Schleck and Cadel Evans and Sastre have to attack," Bruyneel said. "If they don't attack tomorrow I don't know when they're going to attack."

By JAMEY KEATEN, AP Sports Writer

AP Sports Writer Samuel Petrequin contributed to this report.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Armstrong Fumes as Old Friend Hincapie Is Deprived of Tour Yellow originally appeared on FanHouse on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Armstrong Still Seconds Off Lead After Stage 13

FanHouse Newswire — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:53:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

COLMAR, France (AP) -- Lance Armstrong stayed in third place after a wet and chilly ride Friday and lost a crucial ally for the rest of the Tour de France when teammate Levi Leipheimer withdrew because of a broken wrist.

Germany's Heinrich Haussler won the 13th stage by outclassing the pack with a solo breakaway, and Italy's Rinaldo Nocentini kept the yellow jersey for a seventh straight day.

Armstrong, the seven-time champion, remained eight seconds behind Nocentini. Astana teammate Alberto Contador, the 2007 Tour champion, is second, six seconds back. Armstrong, Contador and other favorites were 6 minutes, 43 seconds behind Haussler.Leipheimer's withdrawal is a blow to Astana and Armstrong. He is a four-time top-10 finisher at the Tour, including third place finish in 2007. He had been in fourth place, 39 seconds behind Nocentini.

He had surgery on the wrist Friday, and Astana said he would return to the United States as soon as possible to begin his recovery.

"My wrist hurts a lot but it doesn't compare to the pain of watching the Tour leave me behind and not be able to ride the Tour with my teammates," Leipheimer said in a statement. "We've had a big battle so far. We're the favorites, and I wanted to be part of that."

Leipheimer and Armstrong have a close relationship within Astana, which Armstrong says is riven by "tension" with Contador.

"He's a good friend of mine so it makes it even more unfortunate, but that's cycling," said Armstrong, stressing that Leipheimer's absence is a big loss.

"You saw even there, in some stages in the Pyrenees, when there was an attack, we had four guys there. And now, one's gone," Armstrong said. "Not only does it hurt us, I think it helps the others in terms of morale, and thinking perhaps that the team has been weakened."

At first, it appeared Leipheimer might remain in the race.

"It seemed like an insignificant crash that all of a sudden turned out to be pretty major," Armstrong said.

Leipheimer fell off his bike less than two miles from Thursday's finish line in a crash involving two-time Tour runner-up Cadel Evans. He pulled out before riders began the day's 124-mile stage through the rolling hills of northeast France that featured three big climbs, including the demanding Col du Platzerwasel.

Haussler, a Cervelo rider who won a stage at Paris-Nice in March, raced ahead of the second of two fellow breakaway riders in the last 31 miles and distanced himself from the peloton as the finish neared.

Haussler cupped his face in his hands and choked up with emotion as he crossed the line in 4:56:26 - 4:11 ahead of second-place Amets Txurruka of Spain. Brice Feillu of France was third, 6:13 back.

"I was really happy. I just got teary," said Haussler, who was born in Australia to a German father. "I just couldn't believe it. ... I was just so nervous that I was going to crash."

Haussler, who collected his first Tour stage victory, entered the stage in 105th place overall - 55:24 behind Nocentini. He rose to 83rd overall with his win, 48:41 off the leader's pace.

Leipheimer's injury was not the only thing to trouble Armstrong. He was angered by the criticism from French Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot, who said Astana riders stayed out of sight too long during a random doping check last week.

"Enough is enough," the 37-year-old Texan said. "This is ridiculous. We've been controlled more than anybody else on the race. We have had this team for a long time. We've never had a positive control. Yes, we are successful. Yes, we are the strongest team in the race. But enough of the (outcry) in the media."

Friday's stage brought the return of rider earpieces. The International Cycling Union buckled under pressure from many teams and lifted a planned ban of them in the 13th stage. That decision meant riders raced with their customary electronic radio gear, with coaches informing them of possible attacks and hazards.

The ban had been in effect for Tuesday's 10th stage, an experiment aimed at forcing riders to manage the course on their own in hopes of adding drama to the race. Many riders and teams called the move dangerous.

Saturday's 14th stage cover 124 miles through plains from Colmar to Besancon. The leg comes a day before a trip into Switzerland and to the ski resort of Verbier that many riders believe will shake up the standings.

By JAMEY KEATEN, AP Sports Writer

AP Sports Writer Samuel Petrequin contributed to this report.

Armstrong Still Seconds Off Lead After Stage 13 originally appeared on FanHouse on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lance Armstrong Punctures Tire, Still 3rd

FanHouse Newswire — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

VITTEL, France (AP) - Lance Armstrong remained in third place at the Tour de France on Thursday, scrambling back to the main pack following a punctured tire with about 37 miles left.

Teammate and rival Alberto Contador of Spain stayed in second place and Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy kept the yellow jersey on a day Nicki Sorensen of Denmark won the 12th stage.

"Up and down all day long and was aggressive from the start,'' Armstrong said on his Twitter feed.

Sorensen broke away and finished 48 seconds ahead of Laurent Lefevre of France. The 34-year-old Dane spent years as a support rider on Bjarne Riis's team and this was the first time he won a Tour stage.

"It's a big thing for me to perform at this level at this age,'' he said. "I started bike racing when I was 19 and I always hoped that I could maybe go on for many years, and I think it shows today that it is possible.''

Armstrong, the seven-time champion, rejoined the main pack after his mishap during the 131-mile ride from Tonnerre to Vittel. He pulled over to the side of the road while his team repaired a punctured back wheel. After a few moments, four teammates helped him catch up.

Teammate Levi Leipheimer, who is fourth overall, fell off his bike nearly two miles from the finish in a crash involving two-time Tour runner-up Cadel Evans. Leipheimer had cuts and bruises on his right wrist, shoulder and back. He hopes to ride Friday.

"My wrist hurts, but surprisingly it's OK. It could have been a lot worse,'' Leipheimer said. ``I was a bit surprised by a left corner. ... My tire was sliding and I couldn't quite save my bike from sliding out.''

Armstrong is taking a cautious approach until the three-week race reaches the Alps on Sunday. He said the flat stages were nerve-racking.

"It is stressful with the crashes, on a stage like this where you have nothing to gain and then you lose everything because of a crash or a split in the group,'' the 37-year-old Texan said before the start. ``You have to pay attention and try to avoid a crash.''

Wednesday's stage was marred by several crashes and 19 riders were slightly injured.

"Yesterday, there was no way to avoid that crash, if you were just behind it, you were going down,'' Armstrong said. "So that is something which keeps you up at night. You have to constantly pay attention. I try to give myself a bit of space from people in front of me so I have a bit of time to brake.''

Riders also learned that an earpiece ban scheduled for Friday's stage was overturned, allowing them to communicate by radio with team cars as usual. The ban was in place Tuesday and another was set for the 13th stage before the International Cycling Union reversed itself.

Many riders and team directors called the ban dangerous. Organizers hoped the experiment would inject drama into the race by having riders fend for themselves.

Sorensen was part of a lead group arriving several minutes in front of the main pack. The group was unchallenged and the chasing pack - including Nocentini, Contador and Armstrong - was nearly six minutes back.

"We let the breakaway go after four minutes,'' Nocentini said. "It's a tough stage tomorrow, but I'm already really happy and I will do my best to keep the yellow jersey.''

Seven riders managed to get away after about 40 miles, including Egoi Martinez, Franco Pellizotti, Remi Pauriol, Sylvain Calzati and Markus Fothen.

The main pack let the breakaway go, with Mark Cavendish's Team Columbia-Highroad teammates not chasing. Cavendish has been the best sprinter on the Tour with four stage wins, including Tuesday and Wednesday.

Calzati and Sorensen worked together to build a lead of 15 seconds with about six miles remaining, but Sorensen attacked with just more than a mile to go and the others could not follow.

By JEROME PUGMIRE, AP Sports Writer

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Lance Armstrong Punctures Tire, Still 3rd originally appeared on FanHouse on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultimately, Lance Armstrong Pedals for 1

Kevin B. Blackistone — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

If his name was Kobe Bryant we'd say he was little more than a ball hog.

If his name was Manny Ramirez we'd dismiss him as being all about him.

If he went by the initials T.O. we'd criticize him as a narcissist.

His name is Lance Armstrong, however, and because of all he's been through, what he's accomplished and how many people he continues to inspire, we aren't going to call him what he's unquestionably become: selfish.

It is still true -- as Lance trumpeted in the first of his best-selling books crafted by Sally Jenkins - that his latest running in the Tour de France is not about the bike. It's just that this time his racing in the Tour is all about him. The altruism is in the sag wagon.

Lance's intent upon returning to professional road cycling may not have been about anything yellow except that which makes up his foundation's logo. Indeed, when he announced last September that he was coming out of retirement after three years, he promoted that he was doing so as part of his noble fight against the disease that nearly did to him what it does to close to eight million people worldwide every year -- kill.

Then just before the Tour de France shoved off the first weekend of this month, Lance suggested he was going along for the ride to help his new team win. After all, Lance's longtime team manager, Johan Bruyneel, with whom Lance had reunited, had just announced that their Astana team captain would be the new young lion of the sport, Alberto Contador, winner of the 2007 Tour. The rest of the team would be expected to support Contador's bid to win the whole thing, just like Lance's teammates did for Lance for his Tour-record seven consecutive victories.

Tour de France Photos

Tour de France doctor Gerard Porte tends to Jose Joaquin Rojas, of Spain, after a crash in the pack during the 11th stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Saint-Fargeau, central France, July 15.

Bas Czerwinski, AP

Injured Spanish cycling team Caisse d'Epargne (GCE)'s Jose Joaquim Rojas of Spain is comforted after he felt on July 15, 2009 in the 192 km and eleventh stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Vatan and Saint-Fargeau. US cycling Team Columbia-High Road (THR)'s leader Mark Cavendish of Great Britain won ahead of US cycling team Garmin-Slipstream (GRM)'s Tyler Farrar of the United States and French cycling team Francaise des Jeux (FDJ)'s Yauheni Hutarovitch of Belarussia. TOPSHOTS/AFP PHOTO PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Combo of the day made on July 15, 2009 in the 192 km and eleventh stage of the 2009 Tour de France cycling race run between Vatan and Saint-Fargeau, shows From L, top, injured Spanish cycling team Caisse d'Epargne (GCE)'s Jose Joaquim Rojas of Spain comforted after he felt with teammate David Arroyo of Spain (2ndL) and Luis Leon Sanchez of Spain (C), US cycling Team Columbia-High Road (THR)'s leader Mark Cavendish of Great Britain jubilating on the finish line, seven-time Tour de France winner and Kazakh cycling team Astana (AST)'s Lance Armstrong of the United States (R) ridding in the pack with teammate 2007 Tour de France winner Alberto Contador (L) and the pack ridding past sunflowers. AFP PHOTO JOEL SAGET/PATRICK HERTZOG AFP PHOTO PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

The peloton rides during the eleventh stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Vatan and Saint Fargeau, July 15, 2009. REUTERS/Charles Platiau (FRANCE SPORT CYCLING IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

SAINT-FARGEAU-PONTHIERRY - JULY 15: Marcin Sapa of Poland and Lampre leads Johan Van Summeren of Belgium and Silence-Lotto in the breakaway during stage 11 of the 2009 Tour de France from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry on July 15, 2009 in Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marcin Sapa;Johan Van Summeren

Getty Images

SAINT-FARGEAU-PONTHIERRY, FRANCE - JULY 15: Marcin Sapa of Poland and Lampre leads Johan Van Summeren of Belgium and Silence-Lotto in the breakaway during stage 11 of the 2009 Tour de France from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry on July 15, 2009 in Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marcin Sapa;Johan Van Summeren

Getty Images

SAINT-FARGEAU-PONTHIERRY, FRANCE - JULY 15: Race leader Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy and AG2R La Mondiale signs autographs at the start of stage 11 of the 2009 Tour de France from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry on July 15, 2009 in Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rinaldo Nocentini

Getty Images

SAINT-FARGEAU-PONTHIERRY, FRANCE - JULY 15: Alberto Contador (R) of Spain and the Astana team rides in the peloton during stage 11 of the 2009 Tour de France from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry on July 15, 2009 in Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, Framce. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alberto Contador

Getty Images

SAINT-FARGEAU-PONTHIERRY, FRANCE - JULY 15: The peloton makes its way through the French countryside during stage 11 of the 2009 Tour de France from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry on July 15, 2009 in Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Getty Images

SAINT-FARGEAU-PONTHIERRY - JULY 15: Johan Van Summeren of Belgium and Silence-Lotto leads Marcin Sapa of Poland and Lampre in the breakaway during stage 11 of the 2009 Tour de France from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry on July 15, 2009 in Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marcin Sapa;Johan Van Summeren

Getty Images

But a funny thing happened coming round the bend on the first few stages of the Tour. The Astana team proved even stronger than many expected. Lance looked fitter than he had in warm-up races, surprising even himself, perhaps. (Lance even said the other day that he felt so good he figured he'd ride in the Tour again next summer.) And when he looked over his shoulder he saw most of the pre-race favorites -- like last year's winner Carlos Sastre, Christian Vande Velde and Cadel Evans -- buried minutes behind with Lance's specialty, the mountains, yet to come.

All of a sudden, Lance's main competition to win another Tour was the teammate he'd all but vowed to support, Contador.

To hear Lance the past few days, you would think that it is Contador who is breaking the gentleman's agreement on the team by making an unexpected breakaway to gain a second or two on an early stage. But the deal was that this would be Contador's race to win if he was proving good enough and it would be Lance's to serve quite humbly as a super domestique, a helper of the highest order. Those plans appear to have been shredded and turned into so much confetti high in the Spanish Pyrenees.

There isn't anyone with Astana who has the gravitas to tell Lance to stick with the game plan. How could they? Lance is the king. He's nobody's pawn. He makes moves on everyone else, like the number of women he's hooked up with over the years who make up the Tour de Lance. His newest baby, born last month, is from his latest girlfriend. If Lance was an NBA or NFL player it would be pointed out that he hadn't wed the mother and has three other children by his ex-wife.

It has been easy to forget over the years that Lance is more like a lot of other athletes than he is not. He's kicked cancer to the curb and won a grueling event with apparent ease, over and over and over again. Remember the year he fell off his bike after it hooked in a spectator's bag, then slipped out of his cleats but still recovered, and with a vengeance, to catch the leaders and bury them? It was a singular comeback of the likes we'd never witnessed.

In a certain sense, it's kind of refreshing to see this side of Lance, to be reminded that that he is a cutthroat competitor carved from the mold of a Michael Jordan or Bob Gibson.We've marveled at Lance's resilience. His ability to comeback has defined not only his athletic career but his life as well. At the end of the day, however, Lance is an athlete driven by competitive juices and buoyed by ego. Lance has won all of his life and he can't bring himself to do anything less now, Contador's designation as team captain be damned.

This is the kind of thing that eventually derailed Kobe's and Shaq's Lakers and always kept the Tony Romo-Terrell Owens Cowboys from winning.

In a certain sense, it's kind of refreshing to see this side of Lance, to be reminded that that he is a cutthroat competitor carved from the mold of a Michael Jordan or Bob Gibson. He isn't just the soft speaker of measured words.

"I'm not going to say there's not a little friction," Lance told reporters of the fallout from the Contador breakaway that moved Contador into second place, ahead of Armstrong. "The biggest tragedy would be that if we both want it so badly that someone else gets it. ... That's not going to happen."

That wasn't supposed to be a scenario in the first place.

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Ultimately, Lance Armstrong Pedals for 1 originally appeared on FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lance Armstrong Still 3rd; Mark Cavendish Wins Stage

FanHouse Newswire — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Cycling

SAINT-FARGEAU, France (AP) -- Mark Cavendish won the 11th stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday, Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy held onto the yellow jersey and Lance Armstrong remained third overall.

Armstrong finished safely in the main pack, with his Astana teammate Alberto Contador narrowly ahead of him in second place overall after Wednesday's 119-mile trek from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau.

Nocentini leads Contador by six seconds and Armstrong trails by eight.

"I feel in very good shape," Nocentini said. "I hope to keep the yellow jersey."

Nocentini was among the riders who fell in two early crashes, giving Belgian rider Johan Van Summeren and Marcin Sapa of Poland the opportunity to break away after 18.7 miles.

"I was in a fall, but nothing too serious. I didn't hurt myself," Nocentini said. "I managed to get back up and finish calmly."

Cavendish sealed his second straight stage win and fourth of the Tour. The British cyclist finished about half a bike length ahead of American Tyler Farrar in a sprint finish on a flat stage. The 24-year-old Cavendish finished in 4 hours, 17 minutes, 55 seconds.

Armstrong, who did not stop for reporters after the stage, finished in 54th place. Contador was 43rd.

"Fast start, crashes a plenty, then a breakaway," Armstrong wrote on his Twitter feed. "Ended up being pretty relaxed. Cav wins again. (No.) 4 for him. Congrats to him."

Cavendish took the green jersey from Thor Hushovd of Norway, who finished fifth, and equaled British rider Barry Hoban's tally of eight Tour stage wins.

"I was able to get the jump on Thor and win, so it was perfect," Cavendish said. "It was just beautiful the way the guys could adapt to the situation and deliver me to the sprint."

Cavendish will defend the green jersey on another flat stage Thursday, a 131-mile trek from Tonnerre to Vittel featuring six small hills. The course again favors sprinters, and time differences are unlikely to be significant among the top three.

Armstrong's rivalry with Contador could be reignited Friday, with a small opportunity for an attack on one tough climb up the Col du Platzerwasel. However, such an attack likely be more effective in Sunday's 15th stage - which features a tough uphill ride to Verbier.

The early leaders were eventually caught by the chasing pack, led by the Team Columbia-High Road riders, some 3 miles from the finish.

The Columbia team worked well together at the front, just as they did Tuesday, to get Cavendish in the best position to attack in the closing stages.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Lance Armstrong Still 3rd; Mark Cavendish Wins Stage originally appeared on FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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