Lance strikes for yellow after team time-trial

LANCE ARMSTRONG seized control of the yellow jersey for the first time during his pursuit of a record sixth Tour de France title yesterday, thanks to a display of unmatched power and discipline in the team time-trial from his US Postal outfit.

The Texan sported a broad grin as his team-mates congratulated each other at the finishing line in Arras on winning a stage which could prove as decisive as any in the 91st Tour.

After just five days’ racing, Armstrong will start today’s 36 seconds ahead of Tyler Hamilton, the nearest of the men who have serious hopes of defying his attempt to write his name in the history books.