Contador wins 18th stage time trial to solidify Tour de France lead; Armstrong advances to 3rd

Contador wins time trial; Armstrong in 3rd place

ANNECY, France — Alberto Contador has won the final time trial in the Tour de France, and Lance Armstrong moved up a spot to third place overall.

Contador now looks all but assured of his second Tour victory after increasing his overall lead in Thursday’s 18th stage. The riders went one by one down the start ramp for the 25-mile stage in and around Annecy.

The three-week race ends Sunday.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ANNECY, France (AP) — The 18th-stage time trial is under way at the Tour de France, with Lance Armstrong needing a comeback if he wants a place on the podium when the race ends Sunday in Paris.

Alberto Contador has a comfortable grip on the yellow jersey, and the fourth-place Armstrong is looking to overcome brothers Andy and Frank Schleck, who bumped the Texan from second a day earlier.

Riders are setting off one-by-one in reverse order of the standings for the 25.2-mile stage looping around the picturesque Lake Annecy near the French Alps.

Yauheni Hutarovich of Belarus was first to leave under cloudy skies. The title contenders are to ride later in the afternoon.