Armstrong Keeps Grip on No. 1

Battling intense heat and sporadic rain showers, Russian cyclist Dmitri Konyshev pedaled to victory in Sunday’s 14th stage of the Tour de France--with only one week remaining until cyclists race the 11 concluding laps on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

American Lance Armstrong held on to the overall leader’s yellow jersey after Sunday’s leg. Since regaining the lead in overall standings one week ago, the 27-year-old Texan has dominated the spotlight with two stage wins and consistently high performances.

A cyclist with the U.S. Postal team, Armstrong returned to the sport only a year ago after a life-threatening battle with cancer. Now, the American is seven minutes 44 seconds ahead of Spaniard Abraham Olano and an additional three seconds ahead of Alex Zulle of Switzerland in overall standings in cycling’s premier race.

The 123.6-mile stage over relatively flat terrain from Castres to Saint-Gaudens at the base of the Pyrenees had little effect on the overall rankings. The leaders of the race, as they have for the past few days, chose to remain with the pack and rest for the week’s tough climbs.

Sunday marked the 80th anniversary of the yellow jersey--first worn by French cyclist Eugene Christrophe.

After a fight to the finish line in Sunday’s leg, Italian Gianni Faresin came in second, immediately behind the 33-year-old Konyshev, who was the first Russian to win a Tour stage since 1990. Massimiliano Lelli of Italy was third. The top three finishers were part of a group of six that broke from the pack earlier in the stage and maintained its lead throughout the course.

Today is a rest day. Tuesday the cyclists pedal from Saint-Gaudens to Piau-Engaly, tackling five difficult climbs.

Tour de France

* 14th stage--A 123.6-mile ride between Castres and Saint-Gaudens, at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains which straddle the border with Spain.

* Winner--Russia’s Dimitri Konyshev won the stage in 4 hours 37 minutes 59 seconds. He edged Italian Gianni Faresin. Another Italian, Massimilliano Lelli, came in third.

* Others--The main leaders again sat back. American Lance Armstrong came in 60th, well behind the leaders. All the main contenders finished with the same time.

* Overall--Armstrong retains his seven-minute 44-second lead over Spain’s Abraham Olano.

* Next stage--Today is a rest day, the second of the Tour. Racing in the Pyrenees begins on Tuesday.