LeMond Still Out Front in Cycling Race

Greg LeMond of the United States held his lead today after the first tough mountain stage of the Tour de France cycling race, sticking with the other leaders in a roller-coaster ride.

LeMond finished eighth for the day, almost two minutes behind Miguel Indurain of Spain, who won the stage in 4 hours, 32 minutes and 36 seconds.

But he was right on the wheel of two-time winner Laurent Fignon of France, who finished seventh in the same time as LeMond and remained in second place overall, five seconds back.

Last year’s winner, Pedro Delgado of Spain, finished third in today’s 91-mile course over four steep mountain climbs but picked up only 29 seconds on LeMond, not nearly enough to catch him.

Several other serious contenders also ended today’s stage in a tight group around LeMond, including Sean Kelly of Ireland, Stephen Rooks of the Netherlands and Charly Mottet of France, all within seconds of one another.

Andy Hampsten of the United States was 14th, 2:28 back of Indurain, and lost half a minute to LeMond in the overall standings.

Another rugged mountain ride awaits the cyclists Tuesday, taking them 85 miles from Cauterets to Luchon-Superbagneres.