Splitting Seconds — Lance Armstrong at the Tour de France
EmailABC's Christophe Schpoliansky reports from London: U.S. cycling legend and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong is tonight in 2nd position overall of the 96th Tour de France, just a few thousandths of a second behind the still leader of the race, Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland. After today’s team time-trial won by Armstrong’s Astana Team, both men were within the same second since the start of the race in Monaco on Saturday (time is added after each stage, and the overall winner of the race is the rider who spends the less time on his bicycle). But since there can only be one man wearing the Maillot Jaune, the yellow jersey worn by the leader of the race, race stewards had to closely check the times since the start of the race and determined that Cancellara had just retained the overall lead by a few thousandths of a second. Tomorrow, the Tour de France will take its riders on a 223-mile flat stage between Cap d’Agde and Perpignan. And there is no doubt Armstrong will attempt to regain the Yellow Jersey he last wore on his shoulders four years ago, in 2005, when he won his 7th Tour de France.
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Just an FYI, Stage 5 is not 223 miles; it’s 196.5 kilometers = 122.099439 miles.
Posted by: Mike | July 7, 2009, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
Tomorrow’s stage is only 196.5 km, not 223 miles.
Posted by: sciguy | July 7, 2009, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
I think there is some doubt about Lance attempting to take the jersey – he has been clear that he is supporting his team and it’s lead rider.
Posted by: dwa | July 7, 2009, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
Why would Astana desire to defend the yellow jersey so early in the race? Christophe Schpoliansky obviously has much to learn about Tour tactics and best not make statements such as this!
Posted by: Mm.g. Anderson | July 7, 2009, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
There isn’t a clear “leader” on the Astana team. Right now, it’s Lance, but as the days go by it could be Contador, or even Leipheimer. Today, Contador was supporting Lance’s effort to take the yellow jersey. It was amazing that he came so close. Maybe tomorrow.
Posted by: Keith | July 7, 2009, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
Is this your first day of reporting on pro bike racing?
Armstrong will not necessarily attempt to
take the GC (yellow) tomorrow.
Get a clue
Posted by: Kap | July 7, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Lance’s legs may give out @ age 37 over the long haul on Le Tour but then he might just gut out his 8th victory. He may dispel his critics and prove to be the strongest rider on the Astana team.
Posted by: Tour Rider | July 7, 2009, 2:51 pm 2:51 pm
Lance does not want yellow tomorrow and never has wanted it this early on. All nonsense. He will take it when he knows he will keep it for good and may wind up getting it accidentally but will give it back soon after.
Posted by: Jamie | July 7, 2009, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm
The first mountain stage is Friday. With no bonus seconds this year, and days like yesterday being rare, Cancellara is safe for 72 hours.
Posted by: Downpuppy | July 7, 2009, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm
Who writes these articles? Doesn’t anyone fact check them? The statement that lance will be trying to regain the jersey is pure speculation. No one except the team knows their strategy.
Posted by: Carl | July 7, 2009, 3:14 pm 3:14 pm
no way lance or astana want to defend the jersey for 3 weeks. the road / parcourse will decide who wears yellow the course will make the selection iit always has and always will.
Posted by: jim | July 7, 2009, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
The only way Lance gets the yellow jersey tomorrow is if a bunch of guys are asleep at the switch like they were in Stage 3, and Lance isn’t one of them, but Cancellara is. Not going to happen.
Posted by: Scott | July 7, 2009, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm
Lance could have won the yellow jersey today if he had wanted it. Who was the fifth rider to cross the line?
Posted by: Lynn | July 7, 2009, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm
“he has been clear that he is supporting his team and it’s lead rider.”
This isn’t so. He said if it turns out that Cantador is the strongest rider then he’ll ride in support. Astana is a whole team and if suddenly Andreas Kloden becomes the strongest after Friday, Astana will support him. That is how the event works.
Cantador should domestique for Lance if Lance is the strongest…which we’ll soon see. GO Astana!
Posted by: chris | July 7, 2009, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
What are the different colored jerseys signify?
Posted by: Robert Whitney | July 7, 2009, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
RW: The Yellow Jersey is worn by the cyclist that is in the overall lead.
Posted by: The_Mick | July 7, 2009, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
A few thoughts: The first selection for the overall will be on Friday in the Pyrenees. Armstrong is riding to win, and he has said as such. What is not clear, however, is which members of his team will help him win and which members will work for their other top rider Alberto Contador.
Jersey breakdown:
Yellow: Overall winner (shortest time to complete the course)
Green: Points (there is a points competition for sprints since those who sprint usually cannot climb and contend for the yellow)
Polka Dot: King of the Mountains (a points competition for climbers)
White: Best rider under age 25.
Lastly, your cycling reporter isn’t very up to speed on all the facts. You guys need a new one?
Posted by: John | July 8, 2009, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm