Michael Boogerd of the Netherlands won today's 16th stage of the Tour de France, a 179.5 kilometre ride from Les Deux Alpes to La Plagne. He finished 1 minute 24 seconds ahead of Spain's Carlos Sastre with American Lance Armstrong finishing third to extend his lead as race leader. The 30-year-old Boogert won two of the stage's three super category climbs, to the summit of Col de Madeleine and to the finish at La Plagne.
Boogerd broke away from the Peloton after 29 kilometres of what is thought to be the tour's toughest stage and despite a late charge by Armstrong and Sastre, held on for a memorable win after riding solo for over three and a half hours. Joseba Beloki of Spain was fourth and Lithuania's Raimondas Rumsas fifth.
Armstrong's third place virtually ensures him of a fourth Tour de France as it increases his lead over Beloki to over 5 mins.
Filed by Johnny Proby
