July 24, 2002 (La Plagne, France) – Winning stages in the Tour de France is
never easy, and Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) certainly had a hard time today.
Today’s stage may have been shorter (179.5 km) than yesterday’s 226km
jaunt, but with three hors categorie climbs on the profile, it was a very
long day indeed. Boogerd found himself in a group with among others,
Stuart O’Grady (Credit Agricole), eager to snatch some Green Jersey points,
and Laurent Jalabert (CSC-Tiscali) eager to grab some Polka Dot points. As
the breakaway hit the final gruelling climb, Boogerd was suffering as he
was losing his lead with every kilometre but was able to hold court until
the finish. Lance Armstrong (USPS) launched from the chase group to put
even more time on Joseba Beloki (ONCE-Eroski) and Raimondas Rumsas (Lampre
Daikin). Levi Leipheimer (Rabobank) had another solid ride, solidifying
his 9th place overall.

Stage 16 : Les Deux Alpes – La Plagne, 179.5 km

1. Michael Boogerd (Ned) Rabobank 5.48.29

2. Carlos Sastre (Spa) CSC-Tiscali 1.25

3. Lance Armstrong (USA) US Postal Service
4. Joseba Beloki (Spa) ONCE-Eroski 2.02

5. Raimondas Rumsas (Ltu) Lampre Daikin
6. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Rabobank 2.10

7. Ivan Basso (Ita) Fassa Bortolo 2.14

8. JosÈ Azevedo (Por) ONCE-Eroski
9. Santiago Botero (Col) Kelme-Costa Blanca 2.23

10. Roberto Heras Hernandez (Spa) US Postal Service 2.25

Overall:

1. Lance Armstrong (USA) US Postal Service 68.43.22 (40.23
km/h)

2. Joseba Beloki (Spa) ONCE-Eroski 5.06

3. Raimondas Rumsas (Ltu) Lampre Daikin 7.24

4. JosÈ Azevedo (Por) ONCE-Eroski 12.08

5. Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (Spa) ONCE-Eroski 12.12

6. Francisco Mancebo (Spa) iBanesto.com 12.28

7. Santiago Botero (Col) Kelme-Costa Blanca 12.37

8. Roberto Heras Hernandez (Spa) US Postal Service 12.54

9. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Rabobank 13.58

10. Ivan Basso (Ita) Fassa Bortolo 15.04