Armstrong going strong

Seventeenth stage

Pao to Revel
Distance: 239.5 km
Type of Stage: Road, mountainous

Principal Difficulties
Heat 038; distance; longest stage of Tour

Stage Winner
Paolo Savoldelli Italy

Overall Leader
Lance Armstrong USA

UPS AND DOWNS
Savoldelli outsprinted breakaway companion Kurt-Asle Arvesen of Norway at the end of the 239.5-km stage from Pau to give Discovery team their third stage win of the Tour. Australian Simon Gerrans took third place and France8217;s Sebastien Hinault was fourth.

UPS AND DOWNS
The breaks are expected to come fast and furious again, but it8217;ll be a daylong struggle between breakaways and the sprinters8217; teams, which will be chasing in hopes of a bunch finish.