Armstrong controls Vino attack as Weening wins

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2005

GERARDMER, France (AFP) — Lance Armstrong calmly soaked up the first challenge to his yellow jersey on this year's Tour de France after an exciting eighth stage won by enterprising Dutchman Pieter Weening of the Rabobank team.

Weening, who has come close to claiming a first big win all season, held off Germany's Andreas Kloden of T-Mobile in a two-man sprint which was decided by a photo finish - although it must have been one of the closest in the race's history.

Both riders came over the finish line of the 231.5km stage, held between Pforzheim in Germany and here in the hilly Vosges region, at practically the same time although it was a few minutes before officials declared the winner.

"I didn't even know I'd won," said a delighted Weening, who had shown...