Free Republic

When Lance Armstrong lays down the law in the Tour de France, others riders sometimes have no choice but to obey. Just ask Filippo Simeoni. The Italian, who is involved in a legal battle with the five-time champion, tried to speed ahead of the pack Friday on the Tour's 18th stage. Armstrong's reaction was unequivocal: No way. Even though Simeoni is way down in the overall standings and cannot threaten Armstrong's march to a record sixth Tour victory, the Texan chased after him. Their animosity stems from Simeoni's testimony against sports doctor Michele Ferrari, with whom Armstrong has ties. Ferrari...

L'ALPE D'HUEZ, France (Reuters) - Tour de France director Jean-Marie Leblanc has admitted he had seen fans spit at five-times champion Lance Armstrong during the 15.5-km time trial to L'Alpe d'Huez. Leblanc also said the swarming crowds on the twisting climb on Wednesday had frightened him as riders, including Armstrong, were forced to weave through excited fans who jumped out on to the road. "I was scared too and I felt relieved when we reached the section with barriers," Leblanc told Reuters after stage winner Armstrong described the stage as a "bad idea" and hit out at some German fans....