The president of France's anti-doping agency said last week that the UCI had been too lenient with Astana at the Tour de France, which Lance Armstrong vehemently denies.
Is over. But circumstances, a well-timed break, and the help of the best team in the Tour helped journeyman Italian Rinaldo Nocentini live a weeklong yellow jersey dream.
Armstrong was in unfamiliar territory on Verbier watching other elite pros ride away. But his coach said Lance rode a smart race and is ready for more Alpine action this week.
Alberto Contador won the stage 18 time trial at the 2009 Tour de France, which further cemented his overall lead. Andy Schleck is in second, while Lance Armstrong is in third.