Tour de France 2005 Daily Blog - Stage Five
Wednesday July 6, 2005
The stage kicks off today in breathtaking Chambord, which features one of the most stunning chateaux in all of the Loire Valley. Chambord National Park is the largest forest park in all of Europe, the size of Paris. Known as the "Venice of Gâtinais," the ending town of Montargis is inviting and charming. It is located close to Paris, and there are an amazing 127 bridges here and a medieval quarter. The last Tour de France stopover here was in 1969.
News update
Lance Armstrong attempted to refuse the yellow jersey today, claiming that he would not benefit from another rider's misfortune, according to the Tour de France Blog. Zabriskie, who wore the coveted jersey for three straight days, crashed and lost his first-place position. Armstrong's decision delayed today's start until officials convinced him to relent and don the jersey, but he wore it on top of his team jersey.
Results and standings
Robbie McEwan beat out fierce sprinter Tom Boonen to win stage five. Lance Armstrong will don the yellow jersey again tomorrow for Stage Six. Here is the top seven:
- Robbie McEwen (AUS - DVL)
- Tom Boonen (BEL - QST)
- Thor Hushovd (NOR - C.A)
- Stuart O’Grady (AUS - COF)
- Angelo Furlan (ITA - DOM)
- Allan Davis (AUS - LWT)
- Bernard Eisel (AUT - FDJ)
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