Ullrich plots to overhaul Armstrong for Tour glory

GERMANY'S Jan Ullrich is confident he can still win his second Tour de France and deny Lance Armstrong a record-equalling fifth in what is proving one of the closest ever editions of the 100-year-old cycle race.

Ullrich, Armstrong and the other 149 survivors of a peloton that numbered 198 at the start of the race were yesterday enjoying their second and final rest day as they were transported to Pau where today's final mountain stage gets underway.

The momentum is back in favour of the 31-year-old Texan whose brilliant victory at Luz-Lardiden in Monday's 15th stage has given him a 1min 07sec advantage over the 29-year-old from Rostock in the former East Germany.