Frigo takes stage 17
Armstrong solid as Tour leaves Alps

There was a relaxed feeling at the start of Thursday's stage 17 deep in the French Alps. The hardest mountain stage of the Tour to La Plagne was comfortably behind everyone. But four hard climbs still stood between the racers and the finish line in Cluses. From there it might be a relatively easy ride back to Paris for Sunday's conclusion on the Champs Elysées.

Lance Armstrong again defended his yellow jersey as his U.S. Postal Service team worked hard to cover every move made by his most dangerous rivals.
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Overall, after 17 stages

1. Lance Armstrong (USA), U.S. Postal, at 72 h 50:25.
2. Joseba Beloki (Sp), ONCE, at 05:06.
3. Raimondas Rumsas (Lit), Lampre-Daikin, at 07:24.
4. Santiago Botero (Col), Kelme-Costa Blanca, at 10:59.
5. Jose Azevedo (Por), ONCE, at 12:08.
6. Igor Gonzalez Galdeano (Sp), ONCE, at 12:12.
7. Francisco Mancebo (Sp), iBanesto.com, at 12:28.
8. Roberto Heras (Sp), U.S. Postal, at 12:54.
9. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Rabobank, at 13:58.
10. Carlos Sastre (Sp), CSC-Tiscali, at 14:49.

Three stages left. Some hills, a time trial, and the ride into Paris. Lance has this one sewed up — unless, of course, a truck runs over him.