Posted on 07/06/2009 11:40:53 AM PDT by Cincinna
Lance Armstrong jumped from 10th to third place at the Tour de France on Monday, positioning himself for a shot at the yellow jersey after evading trouble on a windy ride along the Mediterranean.
Britain's Mark Cavendish won his second straight stage. He and Armstrong and overall leader Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland kept up with a breakaway group that bolted from the pack with 18 miles left in the 122-mile third stage.
Armstrong, a seven-time champion coming out of retirement, is 40 seconds behind. He was able to make his big jump because riders in front of him at the start of the day got trapped in the main pack.
The race is set for a shakeout featuring Cancellara, Armstrong and Germany's Tony Martin in Tuesday's team time trial. Each team is strong in the 24-mile event, which starts and finishes in Montpellier. If Astana wins, Armstrong could take the yellow jersey. The race ends July 26 in Paris.
The Tour said Armstrong will be fined the equivalent of $92 for failing to sign in before the stage. His Astana team said the Texan was delayed because of autographs and interviews.
This was the sixth time Cavendish won a Tour stage. He finished in 5 hours, 1 minute, 24 seconds on the hot and breezy ride from Marseille to La Grande-Motte.
Armstrong, Cancellara and 22 other cyclists had the same time. Cancellara, who rides for Saxo Bank, extended his lead and is ahead of Martin by 33 seconds.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
Go Lance!!!
...allegations of doping from insanely jealous French to follow.
*** FRENCH POLITICS AND CULTURE PING LIST *** FREEPMAIL ME IF YOU WANT TO JOIN ***
Lance Armstrong, is the seven time Tour de France winner. The man from Texas who beat cancer, may be on his way to another record shattering victory.
Go USA! Go Lance!
He’s schooling all of those young ‘uns out there! It’s hilarious. Contador is probably in the fetal position, babbling to himself in a fit of Spanish turrets.
Cavendish is a stud.
Exciting races so far.
I want to see Bruneel order Contador to help Lance keep the yellow this week. lol
I recently watched a documentary on U.S. cemeteries throughout Europe. The French have lost all appreciation for America’s sacrifice during WWII.
Thus I take great pleasure in watching Lance kick their ass.
I was worried that Lance would come back to race and end up in a dismal finish and ride in the back of the pack for the entire race.
Even if he does finish back in the pack, if he can get that yellow for just one stage he will/should earn the admiration of everyone.
I would LOVE to see him take the whole thing. I know it is a dream but we can still dream, right?
Since you are keeping us updated on another thread.
The Texan can ride.
It’s sad that this is “Breaking News” and this http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286662/posts is not.
With a good Team Time Trial tomorrow, Lance may be wearing the “Mellow Johnny” for Stage 5... We will know how strong Lance is when the mountain stages begin. That is where he always wins it.
Lance Armstrong is maniacal.
He is a true ironman. Yes, the Euto Twits and French will be attempting to test his blood and urine as he rides, they will be so jealous.
Who is designing Mellow Johnnie's costumes this year?
I never thought Lance would ride at the fron tthis year....thought he went to thewell one too many times.
Glad I am not a betting man;-)
If he does manage to do the impossible, I will love watching the French go apoplectic trying to digest such an occurrence. They would probably blow an aneurysm.
Yeah, I thought he was just running this one for charity - not expected to win. But it’s early in the race. The grueling days are yet to come.
Just damn!
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