The Talk of the Tour

American Lance Armstrong’s miraculous comeback from cancer could climax July 25 with him winning the Tour de France in record time. To many, it’s an inspirational story, but some are skeptical of his performance. A1

STAGE 12 AT A GLANCE

* Stage: A hilly 126-mile ride from Saint-Galmier to Saint-Flour in southern France.

* Winner: Spain’s David Extebarria, riding for ONCE, won with a time of 4 hours 53 minutes 50 seconds.

* Others: French champion Francois Simon was second, and Italy’s Alberto Elli third. Overall leader Armstrong was 19th.

* Overall: It was another slow day for the leaders, who are saving themselves for next week’s mountain stages. Armstrong actually extended his lead over Spain’s Abraham Olano by two seconds to 7 minutes 44 seconds.

* Next stage: Saint Flour to Albi, 147.8 miles today.