Armstrong takes Tour yellow jersey
Lance Armstrong seized control of the yellow jersey for the first time in his pursuit of a record sixth Tour de France title today 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 tomorrow 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.
There are fewer big names in the US Postal ranks this year than previous years, leading some commentators to talk down his chances a little.
But the 32-year-old had ominous words for his rivals, telling French television: “We have a very strong team this year. I feel they’ve all improved a lot since last year.”
The Postmen will admit they enjoyed a dash of luck as the wet and windy weather which washed across the 64.5 kilometre course for most of the day eased in the last half-hour of racing.
The conditions were still treacherous, however, and – although they lost Spanish rider Benjamin Noval early in their ride – they still finished more than a minute quicker than second-placed Phonak, home to former US Postal rider Hamilton.
Jan Ullrich’s T-Mobile team gave up 40 seconds to Armstrong today, leaving the 1997 Tour winner 55 seconds off the pace although it looked as if they were afflicted with the worst of the conditions.
The AD2R Prevoyance team of Sligoman Mark Scanlon finished in 13th place on the stage.
Tomorrow, the race heads south from Amiens to Chartres when more high winds could buffet the peloton but there looks to be little opportunity for Armstrong’s rivals to erode his lead at least until they head for the Pyrenees next week.
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