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Armstrong, Lance

Lance Armstrong Takes Lead in Tour de France with Mountainous Win

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lance Armstrong, the American cyclist, solidified his position as the leader in the Tour de France by winning the 133-mile mountainous stage from Le Grande Bornand to Sestriere. This victory marked his third consecutive stage win and catapulted him to a six-minute, three-second lead over Spain's Abraham Olano. Armstrong's strategy of attacking during the final few miles, despite a two-minute, 20-second lead, paid off as he defeated Alex Zulle of Switzerland by 31 seconds. The stage included the highest pass in the race at the Col du Galibier, and Armstrong's overall lead now makes it likely that only a significant injury or major mishap can prevent him from winning the event.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lance Armstrong won the 133-mile mountainous stage from Le Grande Bornand to Sestriere, his third consecutive stage win in the Tour de France.
  • Armstrong's victory boosted his overall lead over Spain's Abraham Olano to six minutes, three seconds.
  • The stage included the highest pass in the race at the Col du Galibier, and Armstrong proved himself to be the best at both time trials and mountain climbs.
  • Armstrong's strategy of attacking in the mountains was unusual, but it paid off as he defeated Alex Zulle of Switzerland by 31 seconds.
  • Italian Mario Cipollini, who won four consecutive stages in the first week, dropped out of the race after crashing.
  • Armstrong's overall lead now makes it likely that only a significant injury or major mishap can prevent him from winning the event.
  • Armstrong's victory was the fifth stage win in his career, equaling that of three-time Tour de France champion and fellow American Greg Lemond.
  • Armstrong's performance has drawn comparisons to the great five-time champion Miguel Indurain.

Statistics:

  • Armstrong's victory margin from Alex Zulle was 31 seconds.
  • Fernando Escartin of Spain and Ivan Gotti of Italy were 1:26 behind Armstrong's finishing time.
  • Christophe Moreau of France was third, 7:44 behind Armstrong's finishing time.
  • Armstrong's lead over Abraham Olano is six minutes, three seconds.
  • Armstrong's victory was the fifth stage win in his career.
  • Armstrong equals the stage win record of three-time Tour de France champion Greg Lemond.

Sources:

  • (Source not explicitly provided in the original material.)
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)

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