Armstrong rolls back the years in the Pyrenees

Lance Armstrong attempted to deflect the Tour de France's attention away the row between Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador by launching a spectacular bid for glory on the unforgiving slopes of the Pyrenees.

With just a few more days of his Tour career remaining the 38-year-old American made a play for a 23rd stage win in his 13th Tour. But in the end his legs failed him and he was pipped in the final sprint for the line, having managed the breakaway for most of the day.

The seven-times winner of the race had seen his chances in this year's event flounder in the Alps where he crashed three times in a day. But he still wanted to prove that he had the stomach for the fight and rolled back the years as he and the rest of his group surged up the stage's five major climbs at 20kmph.

But when the leaders approached the finishing line in Pau, Armstrong saw Frenchman Pierrick Fedrigo sprint away and, as Sandy Casar and Ruben Plaza Molina also passed him, he was forced to settle for a place outside the top three.

Armstrong's assault came after a truce was declared between race-leader Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck. Contador currently wears the the maillot jaune because he took advantage of Schleck's misfortune on Monday, racing away and opening up a 40 second gap - and an eight second race lead - when his rival's chain slipped.

His unsporting actions did not go down well with Schleck or the crowd, who booed Contador when he donned the jersey. However, the Colombian issued an apology on YouTube and attempted to make up with Schleck before Tuesday's stage. Schleck, who is still unhappy, at least urged the crowd to stop booing.

The pair rode side-by-side throughout stage 16, as Schleck kept his powder dry for an assault that must come on Thursday in the final mountain stage. ·