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Armstrong takes over at Dauphine

Published: Jun. 11, 2003
Armstrong in his favorite color
Armstrong in his favorite color
Photo: Graham Watson

As if there was ever any doubt. Of course, just in case there was any, Lance Armstrong made a point of reminding the cycling world that he's the alpha male of the pack with a blistering performance under Texas-like heat of central France.

Armstrong blasted his way to his first victory of the 2003 season in Wednesday's 33.4km individual time trial and jumped into the overall lead of the Dauphine Libere race.

The win comes just in time to remind everyone that Armstrong won't be arriving at the July 5 start of the Tour in anything but winning form.

"I think it's more important to show myself and the team that their leader is in good shape for the Tour," Armstrong said after finishing 1 minute, 7 seconds ahead of rival David Millar. "I wanted to make a good test today."

Looking to Paris?
Looking to Paris?
Photo: Graham Watson

Armstrong said he felt some pressure to win, especially since he's coming off more than a 40-day break from racing. As has been habit the past few years, there's already been some chatter that Armstrong might not be as strong as in year's past. Armstrong erased that notion on Wednesday, taking just about 49 minutes, 32.58 seconds to accomplish the task.

If anything, Armstrong looks stronger than ever before.

"The team needs to see that their leader is ready. It's a good sign. We'll fight to protect the lead and try to win the race," Armstrong said. "There was a little pressure today, but pressure is good."

Armstrong said Postal will work to win the race with four stages left.

"We will ride to defend the jersey and win the race. It's good experience for the team," Armstrong said. "This season, we haven't had to control a race. We want to see how the team is working."

Millar still in second
Millar still in second
Photo: Graham Watson

Armstrong's win is only the second this season by the U.S. Postal Service (Victor Hugo Pena won a stage at the Tour of Murcia).

Armstrong was fastest over both time checks. The course opened with a steep climb up the Category 2 Cote de la Croix Blanche and the final 20km were like a roller coaster, without a single stretch of flat road.

Armstrong said he decided to ride his new time trial bike despite the up-and-down profile of the stage.

Armstrong shared the podium with the wife of fallen racer Andrei Kivilev, who lived in the area before his fatal accident during Paris-Nice in March. Armstrong cradled Kivilev's young son in his arms during the emotional podium presentation.

"People put out banners today and I had some time to think about that. His death is the biggest tragedy in recent times because he was such a great rider, a strong rider," Armstrong said. "It's a sad situation."

Cycling's governing body now requires all riders to wear helmets except in uphill finishes. Armstrong said he supports the policy.

Mayo didn't expect to keep the jersey
Mayo didn't expect to keep the jersey
Photo: Graham Watson

“You ask me about that when it's 37 degrees, so burning. It's a major temptation to pull off the helmet, but in the end it's best decision to take," he said.

Americans in the mix
Rabobank's Levi Leipheimer started the day in seventh place overall, meaning he rolled out of the starting gate seventh from last. He finished seventh in the stage to remain seventh overall, now 2:49 in arrears of Armstrong.

"The first climb was difficult and I couldn't get into my rhythm," Leipheimer said after finishing in 52:17. "I felt better on the second half of the course, but today went pretty well. It went better than any time trial I've done all season."

Floyd Landis (USPS) finished 75th at 6:41 slower in what's been a hard road back from a broken hip he suffered this winter. He went under the knife again in May just before returning to Europe to adjust some pins that are attached the bone.

Landis admits he's not in the same condition as last year that carried him to second overall in Dauphine and secured him a spot on Postal's 2002 Tour team.

"The hip is fine, there's no problem with that," Landis told VeloNews Tuesday morning, prior to the start of Stage 2. "I won't know if I'm going to the Tour or not until after the team is selected after Cataluyna. I'm being realistic. If I don't make the Tour, there are still plenty of other races to focus on this year."

Team CSC's Tyler Hamilton said he rode "steady" on the course, finishing 44th, at 4:51. The New Englander says he's recovered from the stomach problems that derailed his prologue ride Sunday, but still lacks the zing in his legs.

"The plan was to go for it if I was feeling okay," Hamilton said. “My stomach is better, but my legs are just getting back to full strength. We'll see how things go this weekend, but this race is for preparing for the Tour.”

The Dauphine Libere continues Thursday with the 239km fourth stage from Vienne to Morzine high in the French Alps. The first half of the stage is largely flat with the Cat. 3 Mont des Princes at 125km and the Cat. 4 Cote de Crusseilles at 151km. The racers then face the hardest climb so far with the Cat. 1 Col de la Ramaz at 219km. There's another unrated climb going into Les Gets with just 7km to go, then it's a fast descent into Morzine.

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