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Riders face key test as Tour de France scales Alps
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-12 09:17

There was no ambiguity about his record sixth victory last year. He won all three Alpine stages as well as one of two in the Pyrenees, and topped off his domination by taking the final time trial. That left him free to sip champagne in the saddle as he rode into Paris to claim the winner's yellow jersey.

Discovery Channel team rider Lance Armstrong of the U.S. cycles with his team during the 171km (106 miles) 9th stage of the 92nd Tour de France cycling race between Gerardmer and Mulhouse, July 10, 2005. Rabobank team rider Mickael Rasmussen of Denmark won the stage and Armstrong lost the leader's yellow jersey to CSC team rider Jens Voigt of Germany.
Discovery Channel team rider Lance Armstrong of the U.S. cycles with his team during the 171km (106 miles) 9th stage of the 92nd Tour de France cycling race between Gerardmer and Mulhouse, July 10, 2005. Rabobank team rider Mickael Rasmussen of Denmark won the stage and Armstrong lost the leader's yellow jersey to CSC team rider Jens Voigt of Germany. [Reuters]
This year, Armstrong appears determined to confound those who wonder whether he is too old or jaded at 33 to win again. He rode to a second-place finish in the opening time trial, building big time gaps over Ullrich, Basso and others.

"That was scary," Julich said. Such a strong starts shows that "he's ready to rock some cages in the mountains."

Armstrong's squad then delivered him the overall lead by winning the team time trial on Day 4. Armstrong wore the race leader's yellow jersey for the next five days and then tactically surrendered it on Sunday to CSC's Jens Voigt. Voigt is not a contender for the overall crown, so letting the German wear the famed jersey for a few days is not a problem for Armstrong.

The key time gaps to watch in the three Alpine stages are those between Armstrong, Ullrich, Kloeden, Vinokourov and Basso and a few other riders, including former Armstrong teammate Floyd Landis, who could still surprise.
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