American In Good Position After Tour's 18th Stage

Several riders did an early breakaway in today's Tour de France, but they were too far out of the lead for riders in the Peloton to worry about. The Peloton let them go, and finished 8 minutes behind the stage winner. The race leaders were all in the Peloton.

Stage 18 was won by Matteo Tosatto [Italy-Quickstep]. Second place was taken by Cristian Moreni [Italy-Cofidis], and third place was awarded to Ronny Scholz [Germany-Gerolsteiner]. The overall standings for the race leaders did not change.

The 19th stage is a 57 kilometer [35.6 mile] time trial that starts in Le Creusot and ends in Montceau-les-Mines. American Floyd Landis is an excellent time trial rider, and this is his chance to win the Tour. Just two more stages. Tomorrow is the time trial, and sunday, they will ride into Paris.

Overall standings:

1. Pereiro [Spain-Balears]..........Yellow Jersey
2. Sastre [Spain-CSC]..........0:12
3. Landis [USA-Phonak]..........0:30
4. Kloden [Germany-Tmobile]..........2:29
5. Evans [Australia-Lotto]..........3:08
6. Menchov [Russia-Rabobank]..........4:14
7. Dessel [France-AG2R]..........4:24
8. Moreau [France-AG2R]..........5:45
9. Zubeldia [Spain-Euskadi]..........8:16
10. Rogers [Australia-Tmobile]..........12:13

Team standings:

1. T-mobile
2. CSC..........10:03
3. Rabobank..........12:31
4. AG2R..........19:06
5. Lampre..........47:06

Polka-Dot Jersey [climbers]:

1. Rasmussen [Denmark-Rabobank]..........163 points
2. Landis [USA-Phonak]..........131 points
3. De La Fuente [Spain-Saunier]..........113 points
4. Sastre [Spain-CSC]..........99 points
5. Schleck [Luxemburg-CSC]..........94 points
6. Boogerd [Netherlands-Rabobank]..........93 points

Green Jersey [sprinters]:

1. McEwen [Australia-Lotto]..........254 points
2. Zabel [Germany-Milram]..........175 points
3. Hushovd [Norway-Agricole]..........160 points
4. Eisel [Austria-Francaise Des Jeux]..........157 points
5. Paolini [Italy-Liquigas]..........152 points

White Jersey [youth]:

1. Cunego [Italy-Lampre]
2. Fothen [Germany-Gerolsteiner]..........0:05
3. Sprick [France-Telecom]..........1:23:08