American three-time winner Lance Armstrong pulled on the race leader's yellow jersey after blasting his way up the final climb to win the 11th stage of the Tour de France today.
Spaniard Joseba Beloki of the ONCE team came second with Roberto Heras, an invaluable climber with Armstrong's US Postal team, taking third.
Former race leader Igo Gonzalez de Galdeano came in at 1:54 after he failed to keep pace with Heras and Armstrong as they pounded their way up the last section of the day's second climb, the Tourmalet, which finished at La Mongie.
Armstrong now leads the race with Beloki in second at 1min 12secs, with Gonzalez de Galdeano at 1:48.
The American, who thus picked up his 13th stage win overall on the Tour, then dedicated the victory to Heras.
"I'm very satisfied, but it was a hard day and very hot," a relaxed-looking Armstrong said.
"The team was great and especially Roberto. I want to dedicate this victory to him. For me, he's the winner on this stage."
France's former world number one Laurent Jalabert provided the day's early entertainment, the CSC team leader enjoying a 121km solo ride after he broke away before the first climb, the unclassified category Col d'Aubisque, before being caught by Heras with just 3.5km to go.
AFP