GAP, France (AP) - American Lance Armstrong kept his overall lead in the Tour de France on Monday after a harrowing ride in the Alps in which he narrowly avoided a crash involving a main rival.
Armstrong, bidding for a record-tying fifth consecutive title, made a strong recovery to finish fourth in the ninth stage.
``I was scared like never before,'' said Armstrong, who took the leader's yellow jersey Sunday. ``It was a real panic. In a moment like that, it's a survival instinct.''
Armstrong, bidding for a record-tying fifth consecutive title, made a strong recovery to finish fourth in the ninth stage.
``I was scared like never before,'' said Armstrong, who took the leader's yellow jersey Sunday. ``It was a real panic. In a moment like that, it's a survival instinct.''
