Tyler Hamilton (CSC) put in an incredibly gutsy performance to take fourth overall, and signal himself as a serious challenger for next year
A smilin' George Hincapie was happy to once again be part of the winning team
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) salutes the crowd while his teammates keep the champagne handy
The Telekom team finished up with one stage win and a third overall, courtesy of Alexandre Vinokourov
Australian Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) was more than happy with winning the centenaire classification, which gave him and the team €50,000

Images by Jeff Tse & Monique du Bois/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com

Centenary Tour winner Lance Armstrong concentrates during the last stage, where he finished 112th but kept his Maillot Jaune
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) in the thick of the action during the final stage
A slightly bandaged Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) rides during the last stage
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) during the final stage in Paris.
Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) concentrates hard with Robbie McEwen right on his wheel

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

This is what the Tour de France is all about
US Postal-Berry Floor lead the peloton on the Champs-Elysees
The US Postal train now in "retro" grey jerseys
Laurent Brochard (Ag2r) during his solo move
The peloton races around the Champs-Elysees circuit
The peloton enters the finishing straight on the Champs-Elysees
Jean-Patrick Nazon (Jean Delatour) crossed the line first, as Cooke and McEwen bumped shoulders on on the other side of the road
Jean-Patrick Nazon (Jean Delatour) can't believe he's won the stage
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) salutes from the podium
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) accepts the final yellow jersey and flowers
Jan Ullrich, Lance Armstrong and Alexandre Vinokourov on the podium while the USA national anthem is played
Jan Ullrich, Lance Armstrong and Alexandre Vinokourov salute from the podium
The podium (L to R): Baden Cooke (green), Lance Armstrong (yellow), Richard Virenque (polka dot) and Denis Menchov (white)
Five time Tour winners Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, Lance Armstrong and Miguel Indurain
Team CSC took home the Team Classification (and stuffed lions)

Images by AFP Photo

The top three in the Centenary Tour: Jan Ullrich (2nd), Lance Armstrong (1st) and Alex Vinokourov (3rd)
The jersey winners (L to R): Baden Cooke (green), Lance Armstrong (yellow), Richard Virenque (polka dot) and Denis Menchov (white).
Lance Armstrong (3rd L) joins the five time Tour winner's club, along with Bernard Hinault (L), Eddy Merckx (2nd L) and Miguel Indurain (R)
Jean-Patrick Nazon (L) wins the final sprint, while Baden Cooke (C) and Robbie McEwen (R) battle it out for second, and the green jersey.

Images by Olympia Photo

Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) leads Lance Armstrong and the posties across the Place de la Concorde
The top three, Armstrong, Vinokourov and Ullrich ride during the last stage
The Tour podium (L to R): Jan Ullrich (2nd), Lance Armstrong (1st) and Alex Vinokourov (3rd)
The jersey winners (L to R): Baden Cooke (green), Lance Armstrong (yellow), Richard Virenque (polka dot) and Denis Menchov (white).

Stage 19 - Saturday, July 26: Pornic - Nantes, TT, 49 km

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

Servais Knaven (Quick.Step) finished 87th today, not one of his better rides against the watch
Alvaro Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) concentrates hard during the TT
Romans Vainsteins (Vini Caldirola) giving it full gas
Viatcheslav Ekimov (USPS-Berry Floor) rode consistently well to finish 6th in the stage
David Millar (Cofidis) had a well measured ride to average 54.36 km/h despite a crash
Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) concentrates on the road ahead
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) clearly relishing the wet conditions in stage 19...
Manuel Beltran (USPS-Berry Floor) took it steady and finished 67th today
Carlos Sastre (CSC) rode well enough to move into 9th on GC
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) knew he had to give it everything to win, but it was too much and he crashed with 10 km to go in the treacherous conditions
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) kept his cool but rode hard, to eventually finish 3rd and keep the maillot jaune

Images by Jeff Tse & Monique du Bois/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com

Today, Lance Armstrong (US Postal) showed he's still got what it takes to win the Tour de France.
David Millar (Cofidis) still managed to win the stage by nine seconds despite coming down on the rain-soaked road to Nantes.
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) proved his potential as a future Tour great with an excellent ride today.
Jan Ullrich's super aero position saw the German reach speeds of 60 km/h in the opening kilometres.
Tyler Hamilton's face encapsulates what the Tour de France is all about - a world of pain and suffering that may one day lead to a moment of glory.
Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) not unexpectedly lost over two minutes to the winning time set by David Millar.
Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom) rode well enough to keep his podium position on the overall classification.
Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) will now finish the Tour one place ahead of his team-mate Iban Mayo, in fifth overall.

Images by AFP Photo

Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) sets off in the rain
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) gave it everything on the day
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) negotiates a corner during the time trial
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) crashes while negotiating a slippery roundabout during stage 19
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) is helped back on his bike by the Bianchi mechanic
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) also gave it everything on the day
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) in action during the stage 19 TT
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) sprints home in Nantes
David Millar (Cofidis) crosses the line with the best time
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) had a great ride to finish second and move into fourth overall

Images by Olympia Photo

David Millar (Cofidis) crashed once, but still won the stage
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) took no risks en route to third place in the final stage, securing the yellow jersey in this year's Tour
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) realises that he has all but won his fifth Tour de France
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) rode very well for second place on the stage and fourth overall
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) exits the podium with Lion and Maillot Jaune, secure in the knowledge that he did everything right today to win the Tour
David Millar (Cofidis) kisses his winner's trophy

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) sprints down the final straight, cheered on by hundreds of American fans
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) clenches his fist as he crosses the line to take third in the final time trial in Nantes
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) crosses the line, shorts torn after his crash with 10 km to go
Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel) rode below par, and lost his fourth place on GC to Tyler Hamilton
Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) conceded over 2 minutes to Hamilton, and lost his fifth place
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) on the podium in yellow again

Stage 18 - Friday, July 25: Bordeaux - Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole, 203.5 km

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

A scene from the start area in Bordeuax.
The early break led by Leon Van Bon (Lotto-Domo).
USPS-Berry Floor again leads the chase today.
Riders feel the pain of the chase and the record pace.
Pablo Lastras (iBanesto) takes home another stage win for iBanesto.
Lance Armstrong rolls across the finish line amongst the photographers.
Pablo Lastras happy on the podium.
I'm too sexy for my jersey One more critical day for Armstrong to keep the yellow jersey in place.
Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) in green again.
The finish was a little crowded today at St. Maixent L'Ecole.

Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews.com

It's been a tough Tour for the rolling Brioches (La Boulangere), which veered off the road on Stage 6 and finished Stage 18 on the tow truck.
Daniele Nardello (Team Telekom), the only rider in the break with a prior Tour stage win, was heartbroken having missed victory on Stage 18.
Andrea Peron represented team GC leaders CSC in the Stage 18 break.
David Canada (Quick.Step-Davitamon) dared to attack in the closing kilometres but couldn't go the distance.
Jakob Piil (Team CSC) was also on the attack early in the stage.
Riders search for their team buses amidst the finish line mayhem.

Images by Yuzuru Sunada

Jan Ullrich proves that he can sprint, taking second in the first intermediate sprint in Stage 18 behind Robbie McEwen and ahead of Lance Armstrong.

Images by AFP Photo

A graphic illustrating the differences between Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong in time trials for the past three Tours
US Postal-Berry Floor set a steady tempo during stage 18
Lance Armstrong and the Posties get encouragement from a fan
Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich keep an eye on each other during stage 18
Models pose as the peloton races past in stage 18
The early break of 16 was reduced to four riders: Flickinger, Nardello, Canada and da Cruz
David Canada (Quick.Step) tried a late solo attack, but it didn't work like Knaven's did yesterday
Pablo Lastras (iBanesto.com) points to the sky after winning the stage

Images by Olympia Photo

Lance Armstrong (USPS) is presented with a basket of oranges at the start of the stage
Lance Armstrong surrounded by photographers at the start
The riders pass through a field of sunflowers during stage 18
Carlos Da Cruz (FDJeux.com) in the final 300m, with Lastras moving up behind him
Pablo Lastras (iBanesto.com, R) was able to sprint around Carlos Da Cruz in the dying metres of the stage to take the win
Pablo Lastras (iBanesto.com) points to the sky after winning the stage

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) shares a joke with teammate Floyd Landis on the start line.
Wake up and smell the oranges... Lance Armstrong enjoys his prize for being the press favourite.
Daniele Nardello (Team Telekom) grabbed third on today's stage as a member of the early breakaway group.
Today's breakaway ease themselves away from the main peloton.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) and Ivan Basso (Fassa Bortolo) chat amiably on the way to Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole.
US Postal-Berry Floor ride tempo on the front of the main peloton for their captain Lance Armstrong.
Lance Armstrong grabs a spot of lunch in the bunch.
Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) and Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) follow the yellow jersey of Lance Armstrong in the bunch. follow the yellow jersey of Lance Armstrong in the bunch.
Lance Armstrong washes down his lunch with some sponsor's product.
Back off for a second there mate! Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) feels the moto is a bit close...
2nd and 3rd on the general classification, Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) and Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom) keep a close eye on the yellow jersey.
The breakaway group worked hard all day to extend their lead from the main bunch.
Strain showed on the faces of the breakaway riders as they fought to keep away from the main bunch on the flat stage to Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole.
Eventual winner Pablo Lastras (iBanesto.com) takes his turn riding on the front of the breakaway group.
Pablo Lastras (iBanesto.com) reaches for the sky as he achieves that rare reward, a stage win in the Tour de France.
The bunch was led home by Robbie McEwen, over 24 minutes down on the breakaway group.
Pablo Lastras (iBanesto.com) smiles at the crowd from the winner's podium.
Robbie McEwen is in green again, leading the points classification by only 2 points from fellow Aussie Baden Cooke.

Stage 17 - Thursday, July 24: Dax - Bordeaux, 181 km

Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews.com

Fabio Sacchi (Saeco) catches up on some personal business before the start
Jan Ullrich (Bianchi) was happy and in a good mood in Dax
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) appeared unsure of his day to come
Il Grillo, Paolo Bettini told Cyclingnews that "the Tour isn't over yet!"
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) checks how far to go until Paris
Jakob Piil (CSC) receives a pre-race pep talk from Bjarne Riis
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) fights his way through the crowds at the start
Vicente Garcia Acosta (ibanesto.com) was exhausted after the fast day-long escape
Paolo Bossoni's quick sprint was only good enough for second place
Ivan Parra (Kelme) tried to salvage an uneventful Tour for Kelme-Costa Blanca
Jan Ullrich and Christophe Moreau showed no stress at the finish
Carlos Da Cruz (FDJeux.com) left the breakaway to teammate Christophe Mengin in stage 17
Salvatore Commesso (Saeco) disappointed after an unsuccessful breakaway bid
Telekom's Danilo Nardello (l), Alexandre Vinokourov, and Mario Aerts look for assistance in the finish line crush
Alexandre Vinokourov (Telekom) concentrates on the days to come

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

Tyler Hamilton (Team CSC) and Bjarne Riis looking happy today after yesterday's win.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) rides on the way to Bordeaux.
Nicki Sorensen (Team CSC) lines up with other riders to help in the chase today.
The US Postal - Berry Floor team strings out the bunch with their chase pace.
Jose Luis Rubiera, one of the US Postal - Berry Floor team's top domestiques.
Tour photographers are never far from their laptops.
Today's break at the 60km to go mark.
Salvatore Commesso (Saeco) gets a little mechanical help.
Gerolsteiner and Credit Agricole riders come to the front to chase.
Baden Cooke (FDJ.com) in the green sprinter's jersey rides just behind Lance Armstrong.

Images by Jeff Tse & Monique du Bois/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com

Benjamin Messonnier, one of Lance Armstrong's biggest fans, waits for his hero to ride past.
Today's break drive the race along, determined not to get caught.
Benjamin Messonnier and his family drove out from their home near Toulouse to see Lance and the US Postal-Berry Floor team.
Despite efforts from US Postal-Berry Floor, Credit Agricole and Gerolsteiner in the bunch, the break was not caught today
A very tidy graffiti effort from a Lance Armstrong supporter.

Images by AFP Photo

Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com) is hanging onto the green jersey, but only just
Leon van Bon (C) helped to initiate the 10 man breakaway in stage 17
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) keeps the fuel intake up
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) rides next to Michael Rogers (Quick.Step-Davitamon) in stage 17
Iban Mayo and Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel) ride next to each other during the 17th stage
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) rides in the peloton during stage 17
Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) rides under threatening skies en route to Bordeaux
Servais Knaven (Quick.Step-Davitamon) powers away from the break with 18 km to go
Servais Knaven (Quick.Step-Davitamon) gets encouragement from director Wilfried Peeters on his way to winning the stage
A delighted Servais Knaven (Quick.Step-Davitamon) crosses the line in Bordeaux as the winner of stage 17
Paolo Bossoni (Vini Caldirola, R) wins the sprint for second ahead of Christophe Mengin (FDJeux.com)

Images by Olympia Photo

Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) clearly has a few fans...
Best mates? Gilberto Simoni and Lance Armstrong
George Hincapie (USPS-Berry Floor) is a big fan of these peril-sensitive sunglasses
The breakaway rides through the trees during their long escape
Paolo Bossoni (Vini Caldirola, R) and Bram de Groot (Rabobank, L) working hard in the stage 17 breakaway
Servais Knaven (Quick.Step-Davitamon) salutes in triumph as he wins the stage

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Green jersey holder Baden Cooke (FDJ.com) shakes hands with Lance Armstrong, yellow jersey holder, at the start in Dax.
Handshakes all round as Lance Armstrong shakes hands with French favourite Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon)
Best Young Rider and white jersey holder Denis Menchov (iBanesto.com) offers Lance Armstrong his hand.
The four jersey holders pose on the start line - Richard Virenque (mountains), Baden Cooke (sprints), Lance Armstrong (general classification) and Denis Menchov (young rider).
Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) checks his brake setup on the start line in Dax.
Team CSC, current teams classification leaders, wave their lions to the crowd from the sign-on stage.
The riders mass at the start line in Dax, ready for the journey to Bordeaux.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) heads for the start line and another day defending his 67-second lead over Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi).
Tough Tyler Hamilton, captain of teams classification leaders Team CSC, stops for a picture with former critic and Tour winner Stephen Roche (1987).
Tyler Hamilton holds up the teams prize (with his good arm) prior to the start in Dax.
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) and Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com) wait for the start in Dax.
Tour director Jean-Marie Leblanc shares a joke with Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) before the start.
Sunglasses on, ready to go... Baden Cooke looks eager to get going to Bordeaux, traditionally a sprinter's stage.
Can you hear me Johan? Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) checks his connection to his team radio.
Sweet victory - Servais Knaven (Quick.Step-Davitamon) instigates a departure from the usual Bordeaux mass sprint routine by winning from the breakaway group.
Dutch rider Servais Knaven sticks with a traditional victory salute as he is watched across the line by Jean-Marie Leblanc.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) rolls across the line with the bunch, not having had any opportunities to take some seconds from Lance Armstrong's lead.
Stage winner Servais Knaven (Quick.Step-Davitamon) holds the trophy for stage 17 of the 2003 Tour de France.

Stage 16 - Wednesday, July 23: Pau - Bayonne, 197.5 km

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) meets the media at morning sign in.
David Millar (Cofidis) was a major player in the initial break of the day.
Lance Armstrong (USPS) climbs the Col de Soudet.
USPS road captain George Hincapie kept a close eye on the break today.
Riders can just be made out on one of the many switchbacks of the Col de Soudet.
The first break of the day climbs through the mist.
Today's winner Tyler Hamilton (CSC) just before his winning attack.
Cedric Vasseur (Cofidis) worked today to help David Millar in the break.
Riders climb through the plush green forests near the Spanish border.

Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews.com

Fabio Sacchi and Paolo Fornaciari (Saeco) grab some drinks at the finish
Alexandre Vinokourov (Telekom) was expected to attack but Hamilton stole the show
Jose Luis Rubiera (USPS) shows the strain of the final day in the mountains
Roberto Laiseka's Euskaltel-Euskadi squad could only ride defensively today
Kurt Van de Wouwer wonders what are you looking at?
Niki Sorensen's hard work for Tyler paid off
Ludovic Turpin (Ag2r) figured in the early break
Nicolas Jalabert (CSC) enjoys another successful CSC ending
Marc Wauters (Rabobank) looking rather refreshed after a day in the early break
Sandy Casar (FDJ) is slowly recovering from a tough Tour and fatigue

Images by AFP

The peloton rolls out through the picturesque streets of Pau
Two champions - Australian national champion Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) and German national champion Erik Zabel (Telekom) side-by side in stage 16
His face contorted with effort and pain, Tyler hamilton climbs away from the bunch.
His collarbone is still strapped and climbing obviously still hurts
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) rides away from his breakaway companions at the start of a solo adventure of almost 100km
Tyler Hamilton gets some respite as he tucks for a descent
Tyler Hamilton celebrates as he crosses the line after a brave solo escape
Tyler Hamilton can hardly believe he's won

Images by Olympia Photo

Tyler Hamilton (CSC) en route to victory in stage 16
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) rides during stage 16 from Pau to Bayonne
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) concentrates during stage 16

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Dario Cioni, Ivan Basso, Giancarlo (or is that Benito?) Ferretti, and Marzio Bruseghin are the driving force of Fassa Bortolo's rather thin Tour de France team at the moment
Ivan Basso (Fassa Bortolo, 7th on GC) straps the helmet on for another day in the saddle
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) raises both arms in triumph in Bayonne after winning stage 16
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) sits up in relief after crossing the line
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) can't believe that he won
Erik Zabel (C) wins the bunch sprint for second from Yuriy Krivstov (Jean Delatour, L)
Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) after crossing the line in Bayonne at the end of a fairly hard stage
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) salutes from the podium after his win
Race leader Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) gets another stuffed lion for his collection

Stage 15 - Monday, July 21: Bagnères-de-Bigorre - Luz-Ardiden, 159.5 km

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

Oscar Freire (Rabobank) leads a group up the last climb.
The back of the peleton makes its way up Luz Ardiden.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) looked as if he knew it was going to be a good day when he signed in.
The view from the top of the Col du Tourmalet.
Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangere) came close to the win today, being caught with only 4km to go.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) on the way to his first stage win of the Tour 2003.
Lance Armstrong's elbow and back show the signs of his earlier crash.
Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) survived a crash and numerous attacks to finish second today.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) leads Tyler Hamilton (Team CSC) just after Armstrong attacked.
Manuel Beltran (US Postal - Berry Floor) worked hard today to defend the yellow jersey.
Tyler Hamilton (Team CSC) takes a look back to see who is still in the chase group.

Images by Jeff Tse & Monique du Bois/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com

A great view of today's climb, looking back down the course from Luz Ardiden.
Hard man Tyler Hamilton comes through the 2km to go mark.
Jan Ullrich passes through 2km to go, making a face that only his mother could love.
Cheered by excited Basque fans, Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) comes through the 2km to go mark. Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) comes through the 2km to go mark.
Postal worker José Luis Rubiera comes through 2km to go, his work for the day already done.

Images by Olympia Photo

Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangere) early escapee, eventually placed 10th on today's stage but could console himself with a €5000 prize as the first rider across the Col du Tourmalet today.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) trailed by Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor), Haimar Zubeldia and Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) on the climb of the Tourmalet.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) attempts to limit his losses after Lance Armstrong attacked on the climb to Luz Ardiden.
Post-crash and full of adrenalin, Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) ascends to his win at Luz Ardiden.
The world's media surround Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) as he pauses before the start line to contemplate the challenges of Stage 15.

Images by AFP Photo

A minute's silence was observed at the start of Stage 15 for Lauri Aus, AG2R-Prevoyance team member, who was killed yesterday while training at home in Estonia.
Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) checks the effectiveness of his attack on the way to Luz Ardiden.
Lance Armstrong's brake lever catches on a spectator's souvenir bag, bringing down Armstrong and Iban Mayo.
Jan Ullrich skilfully avoids running into the crashed Lance Armstrong and Iban Mayo.
Lance Armstrong gives Sylvain Chavanel a pat on the back for his efforts as he passes him on the way to Luz Ardiden.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) goes it alone on the misty climb to Luz Ardiden.
Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) maintained a very high cadence while on the attack.
About 40 seconds down, Jan Ullrich, Haimar Zubeldia, Iban Mayo and Ivan Basso chase Armstrong up to Luz Ardiden.
The strain shows on Jan Ullrich's face as he attempts to climb back to Armstrong.
Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) hovered behind Jan Ullrich, coming in a close fourth place to Ullrich's third.
Ivan Basso (Fassa Bortolo) and Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole) came in 5th and 6th on the Luz Ardiden stage.
Tyler Hamilton (Team CSC) climbed bravely again today, finishing 1.10 down on the winner Lance Armstrong.
Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom) was unable to limit his losses, and dropped to 2.45 down on the race leader on GC.
Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangere) fought bravely to retain 10th on today's stage.
Early breakaway Santiago Botero came in with a small group at 19.49 down, consisting of George Hincapie, Stuart O'Grady, Jérôme Pineau and Xabier Zandio.
Later groups of riders shrouded in mist near the top of Luz Ardiden.
Groups of riders drifted in to the finish, the latest over 34 minutes down on Lance Armstrong.
Tired riders near the top of the Luz Ardiden climb.
For the non-climbers this was one of the toughest Tour days so far.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) approaches the finish line at Luz Ardiden.
Exhausted by his effort today, Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) crosses the line at the summit.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) is shepherded by team staff after he crosses the line.
Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) sprints for second place on today's stage.
A Team Bianchi soigneur looks after a tired Jan Ullrich after his third place on Stage 15.
An extremely skinny Tyler Hamilton shows his bandaged shoulder after today's tough stage.
Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom) rehydrates after the stage to Luz Ardiden.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) celebrates the double on the podium - yellow jersey and stage win.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) looks pretty happy with his win today.
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) the mountains jersey holder, poses on the podium with legendary former climber Federico Bahamontes.

Stage 14 - Sunday, July 20: Saint-Girons - Loudenvielle, 191.5 km

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) on the descent of the Col de Mente.
Jakob Piil (Team CSC) negotiates a turn during his chase of the break.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) brings lunch on the descent.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) descends the Col de Mente with Iban Mayo close behind.
Santiago Botero (Team Telekom) and Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) ride close together.
The three leaders half way up Col de Peyresourde, the last climb of the day.
Walter Beneteau (Brioches La Boulangere) avoids getting water in his eyes during a climb.
Michael Blaudzun (Team CSC) leads a group up towards the finish.
George Hincapie (US Postal - Berry Floor) makes it in after working very hard to keep Armstrong safe today.
Victor Hugo Pena (US Postal - Berry Floor) up close during a descent.
Race winner Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) leads the break just before taking the stage.
Bekim Christensen (Team CSC) makes his way up with the group.
Eric Zabel (Team Telekom) toughed it out today to finish 29'57” back.

Images by Olympia Photo

Riders pass by the memorial to Barcelona Olympic champion Fabio Casartelli, who died on this descent.
The early breakaway group, with Michael Rogers (Quick.Step-Davitamon) working on the front for teammate Richard Virenque.
Rivals Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) and Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) share a bottle of water in the heat. Laurent Dufaux (Alessio) looks thirsty too...
Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom) leads Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and a fading Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole), as he hunts for some time over Armstrong and Ullrich.
Gilberto Simoni (Saeco), 2003 Giro D'Italia winner, savours victory on stage 14 of the Tour de France.

Images by Jeff Tse & Monique du Bois/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com

Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) rides alongside Tour veteran Laurent Dufaux as they reach the summit of the Peyresourde.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi), Lance Armstrong (US Postal) and Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) crest the top of the Col du Peyresourde.
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) finally began to show the strain of two weeks riding with a broken collarbone.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal) looked much more comfortable today as he kept a close eye on Jan Ullrich.
Sometimes the spectators get a little too close.
Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) opens the vents on a cooler day in the Pyrenees.
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) lost over three minutes to the group containing Armstrong and Ullrich today.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Laurent Dufaux (Alessio), Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) and Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) make their way up the Peyresourde.
Gilberto Simoni leads Richard Virenque up the Col du Peyresourde (13 kilometres at 7 percent).
Andrea Peron (Team CSC) was in the early break and earned 4th place on today's stage.
Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom) attacked with 20km to go and rode away from Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) was closely followed by Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor), although neither of them closed the time gap to Vinokourov.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) keeps a very close eye on Jan Ullrich on the Col du Peyresourde.
Ivan Basso, one of the few remaining Fassa Bortolo riders, moved from 6th to 5th place on the general classification today.
The crowds on the top of the Col du Peyresourde were thick with orange-clad Euskaltel-Euskadi supporters.
Even the descent off the mountain had spectators on it today.
German champion Erik Zabel (Team Telekom) is not in his element in the mountains.
Riders get some relief from the constant climbs on the descent of the Col du Peyresourde.
The excited orange-clad spectators on the Col du Peyresourde.
Riders zip up their jerseys for the descent.
Denis Menchov (iBanesto.com), the current white jersey wearer for Best Young Rider.
Gilberto Simoni crosses the line for the win, trailed by Laurent Dufaux, Richard Virenque and Andrea Peron.
A close up of Gilberto Simoni's more conventional finish-line salute.
Winner of stage 14 of the Tour de France, Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) smiles from the podium.
Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) shakes his victory fist on the podium.

Images by AFP Photo

Swiss Laurent Dufaux (Alessio) toughs it out heading towards second place on Stage 14.
Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel-Euskadi) gets an impromptu shower on the way to the top of Col du Peyresourde.
Spaniard Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) follows Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom) to the line while Steve Zampieri (Vini Caldirola-So.Di) checks the rear.
David Millar (Cofidis) didn't have a great day today, finishing 128th on the stage.
Frenchman David Moncoutie (Cofidis) starts to speed up at the end of the 14th stage.

Stage 13 - Saturday, July 19: Toulouse (Cité de l'Espace) - Plateau de Bonascre, 197.5 km

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

Jorg Ludewig of Saeco tries hard to stay close to the front group near the top.
The US Postal - Berry Floor team work to keep the yellow jersey safe.
A Euskaltel-Euskadi fan makes an exception and helps a rival team up the hill.
Carlos Sastre on his way to the win at Plateau de Bonascre, 1.01 ahead of Jan Ullrich.
Juan Miguel Mercado was away from the front group but couldn't hold it until the end.
Lance Armstrong surrounded by rivals Jan Ullrich, Alexandre Vinokourov and Iban Mayo.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal - Berry Floor) fights his way to the top of the Plateau de Bonascre.
Tyler Hamilton (Team CSC) keeps riding strong finishing only 2:30 back.
The beginning of the first break of the day.
US Postal Service - Berry Floor ride tempo at the front to minimize the attacks.
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) looks up the road for the top.
Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel-Euskadi) struggled a bit today, finishing 9:05 back.
David Millar (Cofidis) looks to negotiate a tight switchback.
A happy Team Bianchi fan as riders go by.

Images by Jeff Tse & Monique du Bois/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com

Lance Armstrong (US Postal) and Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) ride side by side, their faces glistening with perspiration.
Carlos Sastre (CSC) on his way to a great victory atop the Plateau de Bonascre.
David Millar (Cofidis) is certainly feeling the heat of the Tour, finishing almost 10 minutes behind the winning time of Carlos Sastre.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) rode his two breakaway companions off his wheel and held off a charging Jan Ullrich to win today's stage.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) displayed his awesome power impressively again today, finishing second, 1.01 behind Carlos Sastre.
Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) leads Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) and Juan Miguel Mercado (iBanesto.com) up the final climb to Plateau de Bonascre.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) follows Juan Miguel Mercado (iBanesto.com) up the final climb to Plateau de Bonascre.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) didn't have an answer to Jan Ullrich's challenge today.
Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Team Telekom, and Ivan Basso (Ita) Fassa Bortolo, came in 4th and 5th respectively today.
Iban Mayo (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi, stayed in 6th position on GC but lost more time to the race leader Lance Armstrong.
Christophe Moreau (Fra) Credit Agricole, managed 9th on the stage and stayed in 10th place in the general classification.
Tyler Hamilton (USA) Team CSC, 10th on the stage today, is reportedly very happy with his hardworking teammate Sastre's victory today.
Although dropped by the lead group at the 5km to go mark, Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) easily retained his King of the Mountains jersey today.
Helmet off for the last climb to Plateau de Bonascre, Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) leads a sizeable group, finishing over 18 minutes down on Sastre.
Gilberto Simoni's Giro d'Italia climbing legs seem to have left him for this Tour de France, as he finished 25 minutes down on the race winner.
The non-climbers stick together on the last leg up to the Plateau de Bonascre ski station.
The last approach to the finish line at the Plateau de Bonascre ski station.
Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) has apparently carried the dummy with him for the whole Tour so far...
Sastre (Team CSC) finally gets the chance to show the world his dummy, in an unusual finish-line display...
Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) celebrates more conventionally on the podium, winner of Stage 13 to Plateau de Bonascre.
Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor), retains the Tour's yellow jersey as leader of the general classification.

Images by Olympia Photo

Yellow jersey holder Lance Armstrong's US Postal-Berry Floor team lead him through the picturesque French countryside.
Paolo Fornaciari (Ita) Saeco expected a thirsty day today...
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) leads Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom), Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) and Ivan Basso (Fassa Bortolo).
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi), perhaps surprising even himself, has developed into a serious threat for Lance Armstrong in the Tour 2003.

Images by AFP Photo

Jose Luis Rubiera (US Postal) leads the remnants of the day long break
Lance Armstrong shows a rare face of suffering
Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich marked each other on the climbs
Armstrong and Ullrich are once again the two men in charge
Carlos Sastre (CSC) wins one for his daughter Claudia

Stage 12 - Friday, July 18: Gaillac - Cap' Découverte, TT, 47 km

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangere) suffered in the extreme heat
David Millar (Cofidis) had the best time at the first check, but faded in the second half
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) conserved energy for the mountains to come
Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole) had hoped for a big ride, but could muster only 16th
Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) confirmed his potential for the overall classification
Denis Menchov (iBanesto.com) conserved his white jersey lead
Ivan Basso (Fassa Bortolo) was no match for Jan Ullrich
Tyler Hamilton (CSC) limited his losses and finished 5th
Francisco Mancebo (iBanesto.com) lost nearly 5 minutes to Jan Ullrich
Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) did not have a good day, and lost his 3rd place overall
Alexandre Vinokourov (Telekom) lost minimal time to Lance Armstrong and dropped only to 3rd overall
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) found his best form and couldn't be stopped
The real battle was between Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich
It was Jan Ullrich who emerged victorious
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) holds his stage winner's trophy with pride

Images by Jeff Tse & Monique du Bois/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com

Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) matched Ullrich's time at the first time check.
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi) blasted back into his old form, winning today's time trial by 1.35.13 from Lance Armstrong.
Haimar Zubeldia looks like he's developing into Euskaltel-Euskadi's best chance for the general classification, placing fourth in today's time trial.
Lance Armstrong powers through the French heat towards Cap' Découverte.
Alexandre Vinokourov (Team Telekom) came in third and moved down from second to third on the general classification
Ullrich's TT style was perfect, relaxed and powerful over the whole 47km.
Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) shows the scars of an earlier crash as he heads for the finish line.
Tyler Hamilton kept himself in the running, finishing in fifth place, 2 mins 42 secs down on Jan Ullrich.
Lance's lieutenant George Hincapie powers through a corner on the TT course.
Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) came in at 100th place, over 9 minutes down on Jan Ullrich.
Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) didn't have a great day, losing over 4 mins to Lance Armstrong today.

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

Victor Hugo Pena (Col) US Postal-Berry Floor, came in 25th, 6.11.56 down on Jan Ullrich.
Rolf Aldag (Ger) Team Telekom, 159th at 11.39.47 down on Ullrich.
Nicki Sorensen (Den) Team CSC, 117th at 9.56.45.
Paolo Bettini, Il Grillo (the cricket, from Italy) Quick.Step-Davitamon, 12th, 5.59.45 down on Ullrich
José Enrique Gutierrez (Spa) Kelme-Costa Blanca came in 56th, over 8 minutes down.
Manuel Beltran (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor, 27th at 6.14.64 down.
Roberto Heras (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor, 47th at 7.32.00.
Ivan Basso (Ita) Fassa Bortolo, 20th at 5.59.26.
Jan Ullrich takes a deep breath as he rides into first place in today's time trial.
Lance Armstrong grits his teeth as he heads towards the end of today's race.
Lance Armstong toughs it out for second on the way to Cap' Découverte.
Andrea Peron (Ita) Team CSC came 74th at 8.36.08.
Floyd Landis (USA) US Postal-Berry Floor, 70th at 8.31.74.
David Latasa (Spa) Kelme-Costa Blanca, 63rd at 8.17.81.
Didier Rous (Fra) Brioches La Boulangere, 30th at 6.26.71.
Tyler Hamilton (USA) Team CSC, 5th at 2.42.52.

Images by Olympia Photo

Jan Ullrich dominates the skyline and the 47km time trial.
Lance in full time trial mode, cheered on by the crowd in the heat.
Dude! Don't run over the babe in the bikini! Lance Armstrong narrowly manages to avoid distraction on the course…

Stage 11 - Thursday, July 17: Narbonne - Toulouse, 153.5 km

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com, epicimages.us

Tour sprint leader Baden Cooke gets mobbed for autographs after signing in
Movie hero Arnold Schwarzenegger showed up at today's start
Ahhnold greets Lance at the start
Lance Armstrong follows teammates into wine country and the sunflower fields
The peloton makes its way through the sunflowers
The peloton bunches up on today's rolling hills
Juan Antonio Flecha (iBanesto.com) crosses the line with the break following behind
Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) just beats Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com) to win the field sprint
Axel Merckx (Lotto-Domo) rolls across the line after a long, hot day

Images by Jeff Tse & Monique du Bois/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com

Slow down! I can't keep up! El Diablo and the peloton
Hey look! I caught one of them! El Diablo and an Aussie fan

Images by AFP

Lance Armstrong chats with Baden Cooke before the race
Rik Verbrugghe picks himself up after an early crash
Armstrong takes a turn at the front
Better make that two large pizza's, Vinokourov looks hungry
Bettini leads an early breakaway
Iban Mayo looking relaxed
Aussies Stuart O'Grady and Mick Rogers ride side by side
Juan Antonio Flecha dances across the line
Baden Cooke in the green again
Flecha celebrates his stage win
Richard Virenque pulls on the polka dot jersey
I'll zip up your back
Arnie and Lance; who is more popular?
Schwarzenegger poses in the bus with the Posties
Orson Welles poses with the riders before the start of the 1950 TdF.
Orson Welles with Raphaël Geminiani and Jacques Marinelli at le Tour in 1950

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Juan Antonio Flecha (iBanesto.com) marks his stage win with the shot of an arrow
All smiles for Juan Antonio Flecha
A first Tour and a first stage win for Flecha
Lance Armstrong holds onto his yellow jersey on the eve of the time trial
The Terminator gets an escort to the start village
Team CSC gets its lions two days after Jakob Piil's stage win in Marseille
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi), getting stronger by the day
Jan Ullrich (Team Bianchi), makes some last minute checks
Erik Zabel (Telekom) heads to the sign in
Alexandre Vinokourov (Telekom) is shaping up to be a serious contender
Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) is out of the hunt, but still in demand
Lance Armstrong cruises to the stage start in Narbonne
Aussies Stuart O'Grady and Robbie McEwen share a laugh before the stage start
Carlos Da Cruz (FDJeux.com) leads Stuart O'Grady and Nicolas Portal in the break
Lance Armstrong enjoyed a relatively calm day of jersey defense

Images by Olympia Photo

Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) checks in with points leader Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com)
Juan Antonio Flecha scores an emphatic win in Toulouse
To any the doubters: Tyler's collarbone is indeed fractured
Fans of all shapes and sizes line the roads in France
A show of support for Aussies Stuart O'Grady and Michael Rogers in the leading break?
Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) nips Baden Cooke for 9th place
Lance Armstrong receives his yellow jersey from the Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger

Photos from Stages 0-10

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