Graham Watson

Jan Ullrich digs deep as he tries to reign in the elusive yellow jersey

Virenque (Polti), who still has vast popularity in his native country despite various drug accusations in recent years, claimed the 196.5 kilometer 16th stage by 24 seconds over Jan Ullrich of Germany (Telekom) in 5 hours, 32 minutes and 20 seconds. Roberto Heras (Kelme) of Spain was third, 27 seconds back.

Virenque, who has won the race's best climber honor five times, appeared headed for a finishing sprint with Heras. But Heras crashed into a barrier in the final two kilometers. He quickly returned to his bike, but was also passed by Ullrich. Armstrong, who began the day with a 7:26 race lead over Ullrich, suffered on the final climb, eight kilometers from the finish. He finished eighth, his worst effort in the mountain stages of the Tour. "I did not eat enough (during the stage) and I had no energy," said Armstrong (U.S. Postal Service), whose lead over Ullrich, the 1997 race winner, fell to 5:37. "I knew I was in trouble, so I stayed regular and rode conservatively."

The stage included five climbs, including the final beyond category climb of this year's race, 12 kilometers from the finish. Besides Armstrong, the day brought trouble for Marco Pantani of Italy (Mercatone Uno). The race's 1998 winner, who had won two mountain stages, finished 38th, losing nearly 12 minutes to Armstrong in the general classification. Pantani and Armstrong had battled on the road for several stages and also exchanged less-than-cordial remarks to the media about either other's riding tactics.

After an early race crash, Pantani attacked several times during the stage and built as much as a 1:36 margin over Armstrong's group. But Pantani, Pascal Herve (Polti) of France and Fernando Escartin (Kelme) of Spain were caught at the 146.5 kilometer-mark after the trio had ridden at the front for 81.5 kilometers.

At the beginning of the final climb, Pantani cracked and quickly began to lose large time chunks. His poor day resutled in his fall from sixth to 14th place overall, nearly 21 minutes behind Armstrong.

Armstrong's problems began shortly after Pantani's. "I am happy to be done with the Alps," said Armstrong. "In a crisis situation, it's best to try to stay in control and not panic. It was the hardest day in my life on the bike."

The stage began on a somber note, with a minute of silence for a 12-year-old boy who died from the injuries he sustained when he was hit by a publicity vehicle during the 13th stage.

Five stages, including an individual time trial, remain in the 87th Tour de France, which began July 1 in Futuroscope.