Landis like Lazarus, and back in yellow jersey mix

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2006

MORZINE, France (AFP) — American Floyd Landis of Phonak has relaunched his bid for the Tour de France yellow jersey in spectacular style when he won the 17th stage after a daring raid of 130km.

On the third and final day of racing in the Alps Landis has now emerged as the race favourite a day after his stunning collapse on the 18km climb to La Toussuire.

Oscar Pereiro, of the Caisse d'Epargne team, retained the race leader's yellow jersey after a tough, 200.5km of racing over five cols, including the formidable Col de la Joux Plane.

He now has a 12sec lead over fellow Spaniard Carlos Sastre of the CSC team, with Landis in third place overall at 30secs after starting the day in 11th overall at 8:08.

Germany's Andreas Kloden, who began the day in third...