Armstrong ascends to new heights

LANCE ARMSTRONG took what looks like an unshakeable grip on the yellow jersey in yesterday’s time-trial with a performance worthy of a man about to enter history by becoming the first cyclist to win a sixth Tour de France.

The American levelled the infamous slopes of the Alpe d’Huez, finishing over a minute ahead of his nearest rival to win his second stage of the 91st Tour.

The young Italian Ivan Basso was the only rider who could have harboured serious ambitions of overtaking Armstrong before Paris as he trailed him by one minute, 25 seconds this morning.