Lance is underway....

[BiggJawn]

His final TdF time trial. Rasmussen fell and got back on, but that cost him time.

Time to beat so far is Bobby Julich's 1:13:19

Basso sets the new best time at the first time check.Looks like Bratwurst Boy (Ullrich) may knock Rasmussen off the podium.
Rasmussen's bike just shit on him. Basso passes him. Lance is 6 seconds slower than Basso at the first time check.

Politcal content: A certain Serotta rider from Boston who got fucked out of the Oval Office by a Chimp is riding in Discovery's team car on the course.

Live ticker here:
http://www.velonews.com/live/text/247.html

[dArKeR]

1. Thanks! no TV

[dArKeR]

2. This is really exciting! I finally get to see the Tour! Go Lance!

[undeterred]

3. Gotta love that guy

for sheer determination.

[dArKeR]

4. Hey, thanks BiggJawn! I missed the entire Tour this year. But at least

I got the finish and Lance won the stage!!!!!!!

[DS1]

5. John Kerry is in Armstrongs team car?

That's fucking awesome!

[DS1]

6. Armstrong comes through the fourth time check 35 seconds faster than Ullri

Armstrong comes through the fourth time check 35 seconds faster than Ullrich's time!

[BiggJawn]

7. Armstrong wins!

1:11:46 to Ullrich's 1:12:09

This leaves Lance 1st overall in GC with Basso 4:40 behind, and Ullrich at 6:21.

Americans Levi Leipheimer and Floyd Landis will finish in the top 10 along with Lance tomorrow, barring some disaster.

And to think the Europeans LAUGHED at us when we first showed up on the circuit 20-odd years ago!

Yep, I read that John Kerry was riding with Johann. That should have been fun, Johann drives like an Istanbul taxi driver...