Back in the pack

Spain's Etxebarria wins 12th stage; Armstrong still leads

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Posted: Friday July 16, 1999 09:31 PM

Stuart O'Grady (right) chats with overall leader Lance Armstrong shortly after the start of the 12th stage of the Tour de France. AP

SAINT-FLOUR, France (AP) -- Spain's David Etxebarria won the 12th stage of the Tour de France today, with Lance Armstrong still holding the overall lead.

Armstrong, making an inspirational return from testicular cancer, stayed tucked in the front of the pack with his U.S. Postal Service teammates. He and the rest of the pack were 12 minutes, 35 seconds behind the winner.

The day's results had little impact on the overall standings. Armstrong increased his lead by two seconds over Spain's Abraham Olano and leads by 7 minutes, 44 seconds.

This was the second straight day the main contenders remained comfortably grouped behind.

In second place for the stage was French champion Francois Simon, 26 seconds behind the leader. In third was Italy's Alberto Elli.

The 126-mile stage began in Saint-Galmier in southern France and ended in Saint-Flour, a picturesque town perched on a huge rock and boasting a 15th century cathedral.

Etxebarria started the day more than 28 minutes behind Armstrong in 27th position.

"This is one the most beautiful moments of my life," said the team ONCE rider. "It will take a few days for it to sink in."

There were six climbs -- one known as "Dead Man's Pass" -- on a day of warm sunshine. There were few straight stretches, and on the way to the finish there was a tough 2.6-mile climb. One of the day's climbs was ominously called "Dead Man's Pass."

The main pack sat back and watched as a group of three riders broke away after just 4.4 miles. Joined by another dozen riders, the leading pack was never caught by the overall leaders.

It was a similar scenario Thursday when Belgian champion Ludo Dierckxsens won the 11th stage, with the leaders taking it easy on the way down from two grueling days in the Alps.

At an event like the Tour de France, Dierckxsens and Etxebarria play vital but unsung roles for their teams. They are the riders who nurse the team's stars along in their slipstream, or who tactically block rivals.

It's hardly glamorous, but when the leaders are not racing it gives them the chance to shine.

The race ends on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on July 25.

The International Cycling Union on Thursday carried out the third set of blood tests on 40 riders from eight teams, including Armstrong's team. Tour president Jean-Marie Leblanc said all the results were negative.

However, tensions from last year's drug scandal reemerged today. Christophe Bassons, an outspoken critic of drug taking, quit the race, claiming he had been told to keep quiet by other riders.

Bassons, who wrote in a newspaper column that he only takes "clear water," says Armstrong was among those who told him to keep his thoughts to himself on drugs. Armstrong has denied taking performance-enhancing drugs.

 

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David Etxebarria looks to close the gap on the leaders with his 12th stage win.   • Start(1.05 M .MOV) Click here for the latest audio and video
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