American closing in on Tour victory
Associated Press
LUZ-ARDIDEN, France — Lance Armstrong descended from the wooded peaks of the Pyrenees yesterday wearing the leader's yellow jersey and on course for a third straight Tour de France title.
Associated Press
Barring sickness or accidents, the Texan is almost certain to be the champion again when the race ends Sunday in Paris, thanks to his dominating mountain rides the past week.
Lance Armstrong excelled during the mountain stages of the Tour de France.
In yesterday's last mountain leg he was fourth, finishing just behind main rival Jan Ullrich of Germany. Armstrong leads the overall standings by 5 minutes, 5 seconds, with six stages left. In these flat stages it is difficult for riders to take a big lead.
"This year, he is stronger then ever," said Ullrich, the runner-up last year. "Simply unbeatable."
Armstrong took the lead Saturday after his third stage victory. All three were in the mountain stages, which began in the Alps and moved to the Pyrenees close to the Spanish border.
He slowed before the finish yesterday, apparently allowing Ullrich to beat him. The pair shook hands after crossing the line. It was the only time since the start of the five mountain stages that Armstrong hadn't overwhelmed the German rider.
"I tried everything, my team tried everything," Ullrich said. "I attacked, my team attacked, but Lance was simply unbeatable."
