Lance sitting pretty as Serrano scales heights

SPANIARD Marcos Serrano claimed victory on the 189km 18th stage of the Tour de France between Albi and Mende yesterday after holding off a strong challenge from Cedric Vasseur and Axel Merckx.

The Liberty-Seguros rider was a member of an initial group of 10 that broke away from the peloton, including race leader Lance Armstrong, at the 20km mark and stretched their lead throughout the race.

However, Armstrong remains firmly in charge of the overall standings and, barring unforeseen circumstances, will arrive in Paris on Sunday in the yellow jersey to claim his seventh consecutive title.