July 2001 Sport News Headlines

Monday, July 23, 2001 - Web posted at 14:21:06 GMT

Armstrong closer to third title

PLA D'ADET - Lance Armstrong pulled off another stunning mountain-stage victory on Saturday, claiming the Tour de France lead and moving within reach of a third title.

The Texan lifted both arms in the air as he crossed the finish line at this ski station in the Pyrenees, taking his third stage-win of this year's race.

He finished the gruelling 194-kilometre stretch about one minute ahead of his main rival, Germany's Jan Ullrich, and moved from third to first place in the standings.

He already led Ullrich by four minutes and five seconds in the rankings before the start of Saturday's stage.

There are only seven legs of the 20-stage race remaining.

Only one of those - yesterday's stretch from Tarbes to Luz-Ardiden - takes place in the mountains.

The race standings are unlikely to change significantly once riders leave the Pyrenees.

Armstrong, his US Postal Service teammate Roberto Heras and Ullrich broke from the front pack at the foot of the last climb.

With some seven kilometres to go, Ullrich passed between the two US Postal riders and overtook.

Heras, from Spain, dropped back but Armstrong gave chase.

A few minutes later, he moved in front, then suddenly increased his pace, leaving the Team Telekom rider stranded.

He then overtook France's Laurent Jalabert, who had led for most of the stage.

It was the third time Armstrong has beaten Ullrich in the closing stretch of a mountain stage in this year's Tour.

He also was faster than Ullrich in an uphill time-trial in the Alps. - Nampa-Sapa-A

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