Luis-Leon Sanchez produced a masterful late charge in a four-man sprint finish to claim stage eight of the Tour de France today.

Lance Armstrong admitted his return to competitive cycling at the Tour Down Under had so far been “disappointing” but he refused to rule out a late victory surge.

Riccardo Ricco produced a stunning final 30 kilometres in the Pyrenees to claim his second Tour de France stage victory and underline his reputation as one of the best climbers in the sport.