Armstrong able to rejoin pack after crashing just before big climb in 8th stage

Armstrong crashes before big climb in 8th stage

LES ROUSSES, France — Lance Armstrong has crashed just before the first big Alpine climb in the eighth stage the Tour de France.

Seven-time winner Armstrong narrowly averted an early pileup that occurred at about 4 miles into Sunday’s 117.4-mile run, but crashed negotiating a roundabout with just under 32 miles to go.

His team quickly got him another bike and he returned to the race — with the back of his jersey and his bib numbers torn.

Three RadioShack teammates escorted him back to the pack, with just a few miles to go before the climb that Armstrong had called “key” during the stage — the 8.8-mile ascent of La Ramaz pass.

Cadel Evans — who was second overall — fell in the first crash, ripping his shorts and scraping up his elbow and knees.

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

LES ROUSSES, France (AP) — Sylvain Chavanel is defending the Tour de France leader’s yellow jersey as riders set off into the Alps for a punishing stage that is likely to shake up the overall standings.

Sunday’s eighth stage is a 117.4-mile run from Station des Rousses to Morzine-Avoriaz that has two tough very difficult climbs and an uphill finish. The stage favors the Tour’s better climbers, such as defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain and seven-time champion Lance Armstrong.

Both Contador started the day in sixth and Armstrong was 14th.

Australian rider Cadel Evans, second overall, and fourth-placed Andy Schleck of Luxembourg are also likely to attack Chavanel’s lead.