Graham Watson

Back on top: Lance Armstrong climbs into the lead

Armstrong began the day trailing then leader Alberto Elli (Telekom) of Italy by nearly six minutes, but finished second to 10th stage winner Javier Otkoa (Kelme) of Spain by 42 seconds in the first mountain stage of the 21-day race.

Otkoa, who began the day in 120th place, was victorious in the 205-kilometer Dax to Lourdes-Hautacam stage in 6 hours, 9 minutes and 32 seconds.

But while Otkoa struggled in the waning miles, Armstrong charged through the field during the 13.5-kilometer, "beyond categorie" final climb and reduced his nine-minute deficit by more than eight minutes.

Armstrong, who won the 1999 Tour de France by 7:21 over Alex Zulle (Banesto) of Switzerland, now leads Jan Ullrich, the 1997 race winner by 4:21. Christophe Moreau (Festina) of France is third, 5:10 behind. Ullrich, who did not compete last year because of an injury, finished 13th in the stage, more than four minutes behind Armstrong.

"It was a good stage and I felt very strong," said Armstrong. "But everyone, the same guys, are all still in the race. There are stages left in which you can easily crack and lose 20 minutes."

The course, which progressed through small mountain villages, often on narrow windy roads, included five categorized climbs and took its toll on the field.

Ten riders, including American Jonathan Vaughters (Credit Agricole) abandoned during the stage. Vaughters crashed during the stage and was taken off the course in an ambulance.

Fred Rodriguez (Mapei), who began the day in 11th place as the leading U.S. rider, finished 140th, more than 36 minutes behind. He fell to 95th in the general classification.

Tyler Hamilton (USPS), who finished 13th overall last year, was the second -highest U.S. finisher, placing 39th. He's now 30th overall, trailing his teammate by 12:13.

Elli, who took the race lead after the sixth stage, finish 99th in the stage and fell to 57th overall, 25:35 behind.