Armstrong takes over Tour lead

Lance Armstrong took the leader‘s yellow jersey on the showpiece climb of the centenary Tour de France as two Spanish cyclists signalled their intent to challenge him all the way to the finish in Paris on July 27.

Texan Armstrong, bidding for a record-equalling fifth overall Tour win, sat proudly atop the general standings after the marathon 219km eighth stage which had begun at Sallanches and negotiated several gruelling Alpine climbs on the way.