Armstrong to keep control

Lance Armstrong should hold on to his lead in the Tour de France if sprinters again steal the honours in today's 200.5km fifth stage between Amiens and Chartres.

Armstrong will spend the 54th day of his career in a yellow jersey as the 183 riders race close to Paris, where the American hopes to be crowned for a record sixth time on 25 July.

"I've never thought about how many I've got," he said. "The only ones that count are the ones you get in Paris."

Armstrong leads compatriots and teammates George Hincapie and Floyd Landis by 10 and 16 seconds respectively in the overall standings after their US Postal victory in yesterday's team time trial.

The Texan will start today 36 seconds ahead of Tyler Hamilton, his nearest rival.