French Cons Roll in 'Penal Tour de France'

Spanish cyclist eclipses Armstrong in second Tour triumph

(AP) - Alberto Contador won the Tour de France for a second time today, and Lance Armstrong capped his return to the race with an impressive third-place finish. Mark Cavendish of Britain became the first rider to win six Tour stages in a sprint, collecting his sixth stage win after the 101.9-mile course ride from Montereau-Fault-Yonne to the Champs-Elysees. More»

(NEWSER) - Lance Armstrong is racing for his eighth yellow jersey, but the cyclist has already won a more elusive prize: the respect of the cycle-mad French. From 1999 to 2005, the years he dominated the Tour de France, many French fans saw him as frigid and haughty, and the press hounded him with doping accusations that were never confirmed. But now, reports the Wall Street Journal, the Tour's host nation has finally embraced the seven-time champion. More»

(NEWSER) - The French anti-doping agency has cleared Lance Armstrong to compete in the Tour de France after resolving a controversy over blood and urine tests administered last month, CNN reports. The cyclist allegedly avoided an official by showering while the inspector's credentials were verified, which the agency has apparently found acceptable. “Case closed, no penalty, all samples clean. Onward,” Armstrong Tweeted. More»

It's 'tense and emotional' out there, says seven-time winner

(NEWSER) - Super cyclist Lance Armstrong fears a physical attack if he returns to race again in the Tour de France, reports the Independent. “There are some aggressive, angry emotions. My personal safety could be in jeopardy," said Armstrong, 37. French team directors "have encouraged people to take to the streets. It’s very emotional and tense.” More»

Spanish rider heads into uncompetitive last stage more than a minute up

(NEWSER) - Spain's Carlos Sastre looks poised to win the Tour de France after the last leg before Paris, the New York Times reports. Barring a crash or concerted attack, Sastre, who leads his nearest competitor by 1 minute and 5 seconds overall, will roll to victory in the capital tomorrow. He wasn't out front today, but still held onto the yellow jersey by a healthy margin. More»