Rain, shooting hit Tour; Armstrong still third

COLMAR, France – Lance Armstrong stayed in third place but lost a crucial ally for the rest of the Tour de France on a wet and chilly ride when teammate Levi Leipheimer withdrew because of a broken wrist on Friday.

The 13th stage from Vittel to Colmar, won by Germany’s Heinrich Haussler, was less secure for riders Julian Dean and Oscar Freire: They were lightly injured by shots from a suspected air rifle from the roadside.

The top standings didn’t change in the 200-kilometer (124-mile) stage through the rolling hills of northeast France that featured three big climbs, including the demanding Col du Platzerwasel.

Armstrong, who trails overall leader Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy by eight seconds and Astana teammate Alberto Contador by two, said a crucial showdown awaits in Sunday’s ride into Switzerland.

“That one is almost a guarantee because it’s uphill,” the seven-time champion said of the ride from Pontarlier, France, to the Swiss ski station of Verbier. “For sure, it’s a decisive stage and exciting for the fans.”  (AP)