American Lance Armstrong today emerged as a strong favourite to win the tour de France after Spanish rider Javier Ochoa came home alone to win the 205km 10th stage of the Tour de France. That was the first mountain stage of the championship from Dax to Hautacam near Lourdes in the Pyrenees. The Kelme rider clocked six hours nine minutes and 32 seconds, to come in 42 seconds ahead of reigning champion Armstrong. But Armstrong took the overall leader's yellow jersey, with Spaniard Jose Maria Jimenez of Banesto one minute and 13 seconds behind. Ochoa, 25, lead the breakaway after 150km, to take his first victory since turning professional in 1997.
“It was very difficult to pull off. Some 5km from the end I had big problems. I knew I had to go for it because Armstrong was just behind,” said Ochoa, who also took the top climber's King of the Mountain's polka dot jersey.
Armstrong, 28, of the US Postal team, who secured his lead in last year's Tour de France during the difficult mountain stages here, takes control of the race from Italian Alberto Elli, following today's stage which included three major climbs.
“We didn't really plan all that. We were expecting Pantani to attack. When he took off Zulle Alex and I followed and the race took off from there,” said Armstrong.
“I had a good day. I like the weather like Sestriere last year. At Aubisque I found myself without team-mates. Pantani was waiting and at that moment I had doubts,” he said.
And he added that he was confident of holding on to his title even if it was still early days.
“I feel strong,” he said, “but fitness can decrease. It's still early days, there is still Ventoux and other mountain stages.”
PA Sport
