Armstrong Claims Yellow Jersey

Tour de France: Lance Armstrong hit the front for the first time in this year's Tour after his US Postal team dominated the team time trial.
Lance Armstrong took the Tour de France yellow jersey for the first time this year when his US Postal team won the team time trial in Arras today.

US Postal clocked 1hr 12 mins 3 secs in the fourth stage from Cambrai to hand Armstrong, the five-time Tour winner, the 54th yellow jersey in his career.

Armstrong is ahead of George Hincapie and Floyd Landis, his team-mates, in the overall rankings by 10 and 16 seconds respectively.

The Swiss team Phonak came in second, more than one minute behind (1:13:10) while Spain's Illes Baleares were third, a further eight seconds adrift.

U.S. Postal clocked the third-bestaverage speed in a Tour de France team time trial: 53.71 kph.

The stage was held in dreadful conditions, with rain falling steadily on a furiously windswept course.

© Guardian News & Media 2008
Published: 7/7/2004
 
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