Armstrong Makes His Move

Lance Armstrong landed what could prove a decisive blow today with a performance which was predictable but no less devastating to two of the men who hope to deny him a record sixth Tour de France victory.

The Texan finished second behind the impressive Ivan Basso of CSC after the duo had engaged in a thrilling chase to the summit at La Mongie.

And the gallant young Frenchman Thomas Voeckler defied expectations once again by holding on to the yellow jersey with Armstrong moving up to second just over five minutes behind the 25-year-old.

But, of greater significance to the overall outcome of the race, was the fact that Armstrong established big leads over Jan Ullrich and Tyler Hamilton.

When the route for the 91st Tour was announced months ago, today's 197.5 kilometre stage from Castelsarrasin to La Mongie was picked out as one Armstrong would attack on, just as he had two years ago.

Then, the Texan had the benefit of Roberto Heras by his side with the Spaniard taking much of the credit for dealing so effectively with the threat from Joseba Beloki, who would have to settle for second overall.

Today, however, the Texan had looked to be in trouble as his US Postal team-mates failed to give him the protection he would have expected late in the race, leaving him to battle alone against Basso.

The CSC rider won narrowly, announcing his status as a contender for the final podium, but Armstrong might have imagined he could see Paris from the finishing line, such was the disarray he had left many of his opponents in.

It is difficult to see either Hamilton - who trails his compatriot by over four minutes - and Ullrich (over three minutes behind) getting near to Armstrong this year after a testing day which found both men wanting.

Although the peloton left Castelsarrasin under fine sunshine, reports were soon emerging from distant La Mongie that a storm was gathering.

But the weather broke before they got there - on the punishing climb up Col d'Asprin.

And, with the rain falling, the peloton was soon strung out with the sprinters, including points leader Robbie McEwen, struggling and mostly failing to keep up.

Voeckler also looked in a bad way but there was no mercy from the front of the group where the US Postal team were setting a punishing pace as they approached the d'Asprin summit. The Danish rider Michael Rasmussen attacked and was first over the climb.

He led through the descent and was still enjoying a slight lead as he began a final slog to La Mongie where the weather was improving.

D'Asprin had the predictable effect of splitting the peloton into several factions with US Postal represented strongly in the lead chasing group.

Rasmussen was caught but - as the men in red, white and blue continued to charge ahead - first Hamilton, then Ullrich found themselves in trouble.

Armstrong's support fell away but there was no sign of panic from the 32-year-old, who looked around for a friendly face and - not finding one - attacked. Basso joined him, as did Francisco Mancebo, although the Illes Balears-Banesto rider was soon dropped as the other two ducked between the crowds and beneath the snow shelters.

The Italian finished strongest but that will not have worried Armstrong, who is following a familiar path which has already led him to glory.