Cipollini Shifting Into High Gear

Mario Cipollini, the Italian cyclist known as “the Lion King,” won his second stage in the Tour de France in as many days Thursday, after disappointing performances in the first three stages.

Estonian Jaan Kirsipuu held on to the yellow jersey as the overall leader. He finished third in Thursday’s 145.1-mile stage from the medieval city of Bonneval to the industrial center of Amiens, home of one of France’s most famous Gothic cathedrals.

In a last-minute push for the finish line, Belgian Tom Steels, who also has won two stages, was second Thursday and moved into second overall. Australian Stuart O’Grady is third overall.

The highest-ranking American, Lance Armstrong, who overcame a battle with cancer to race in this year’s Tour, remained fourth overall, 32 seconds behind Kirsipuu.

Cipollini, who two days ago talked about dropping out of the Tour, won Thursday’s stage in 5 hours 36 minutes 28 seconds--placing him fifth overall.

“I saw [German cyclist] Erik Zabel ahead of me, but I think he is weaker this year than last year and I knew I could take him out,” Cipollini said. “It was a great victory.”

Because of a head wind, cyclists were slower than on Wednesday. Early in the race at the two-mile mark, a group of 10 riders broke away, but the pack soon narrowed the gap.

In a related development, the French daily L’Equipe reported Thursday that one of four riders tested had shown positive for corticosteroids after Saturday’s prologue, but Hein Verbruggen, the president of the International Cyclists’ Union, announced that the cyclist is using the drug for medical reasons that have been approved by the anti-drug commission.

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Tour de France

A look at Thursday’s fifth stage:

* Stage: A 145.1-mile ride from Bonneval to Amiens in the Picardy region.

* Stage winner: Italy’s Mario Cipollini, riding for the Saeco team, won in 5 hours 36 minutes 28 seconds.

* Others: Belgian Tom Steels finished second and Estonian Jaan Kirsipuu was third.

* Overall: Kirsipuu remained the overall leader for the fourth consecutive day. Steels was second, 17 seconds behind. Stuart O’Grady of Australia was third, and Lance Armstrong fourth. Cipollini was in fifth, 32 seconds behind.

* Next stage: Today, Amiens to Maubeuge, 107 miles.