Lance still in yellow as Guerini claims stage

Italian Giuseppe Guerini produced an exceptional display of tactical riding to claim victory on the 153km 19th stage of the Tour de France but Lance Armstrong maintained control of the overall lead.

Guerini, a T-Mobile rider, was part of a four-man group including Oscar Pereiro, Franco Pellizotti and Sandy Casar who broke clear of the peloton after 30km and never looked back.

The group could not be separated until 1km out when Guerini, a lesser sprinter than his nearest rivals, burst clear in a decisive surge for the line and sealed his first stage win of this year’s Tour.

Lance Armstrong appeared content to sit in the peloton throughout the race, safe in the knowledge that barring a dramatic turnaround, he will take a record seventh win in Paris on Sunday.

The American retains the yellow jersey with an overall time of 81h 22min 19 secs, 2min 46secs ahead of second-placed Ivan Basso.