missoulian.com | Armstrong Keeps Tour Lead As Rival Nears

Ullrich won the Tour in 1997 and twice was runner-up to Armstrong.

"From the start I never thought I could win this time trial," he said at the finish, sweat dripping from his face. "I got my old rhythm back. ... I didn't expect this myself."

"I have never beaten Armstrong in a time trial in the Tour before, and I did it now, in my comeback year," Ullrich said.

"I have no words" to express the joy, he said.

Also:

Armstrong looked exhausted at the end of Friday's stage and was foaming slightly at the mouth after crossing the finish line.

Tyler Hamilton, an American competing with a broken collarbone, placed fifth and trails Armstrong by 2:59.