DOOD!!! Armstrong clears path to record sixth Tour de France crown
By JOHN LEICESTER
Associated Press Writer
PLATEAU DE BEILLE, France — Clearing the path to a record sixth straight Tour de France crown, Lance Armstrong overpowered his rivals in the 13th stage Saturday to cement his place as one of cycling's greatest riders.
Armstrong captured the stage and is now just 22 seconds behind leader Thomas Voeckler. But the French rider most likely will be easy prey for Armstrong.
"The team was great. ... It was a dream," Armstrong said.
Only Italian rider Ivan Basso managed to stay with the five-time champion on the last of seven climbs in the Pyrenees. Others scattered down the mountain, their hopes of winning seemingly all but over.
With just the Alps and two time trials left to negotiate next week, only a meltdown by Armstrong or an unforeseen accident appeared to stand in the way of victory in Paris on July 25.
Armstrong won the stage ahead of Basso, overtaking him with a final burst of speed. He also won on this route in 2002.
Germany's Jan Ullrich — abandoned again, as he was Friday — was 2 minutes, 42 seconds behind.
In just two stages in the Pyrenees, Voeckler's lead has shrunk from more than nine minutes. Two punishing stages await in the Alps, Armstrong's playground in previous Tours, as well as the two time trials — more than enough for the Texan to seal a record sixth win.
Basso, 1:39 behind Armstrong in the overall standings, has emerged as the last main rival to eliminate. But he is not an excellent time trial rider while Armstrong is.
Ullrich, the 1997 Tour winner, is 6:39 behind the Texan overall. Last year, he lost the Tour to Armstrong by just 61 seconds. |
