July 21, 2003 – A tough 159.5k race from Bagneres-de-Bigorre to the summit of Luz-Ardiden promised to be a thrilling and significant stage of this year's Tour…and it delivered. After a day that crossed several mountain-tops, including the Col du Tourmalet, it all came down to the climb to Luz Ardiden. The last climb saw a chase to the French hope Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches La Boulangere) the select group that contained all the favourites: Lance Armstrong (USPS), Jan Ullrich (Bianchi), Tyler Hamilton (CSC), Ivan Basso (Fassa Bartolo) and the Euskatel duo of Iban Mayo and Haimar Zubeldia. The final kilometres contained plenty of drama with Armstrong crashing after hitting a spectator; Mayo crashed as well with Ullrich narrowly avoiding the two. Ever the sportsmen, Ullrich and the lead group actually waited for the Maillot Jaune to catch back on before Armstrong attacked and went on to win. Armstrong gained 40 seconds and a time bonus of 15 seconds on Ullrich. The Tour has proven once again that over its 100 years, it's still full of surprises……

Stage 15 – Monday, July 21: Bagneres-de-Bigorre – Luz-Ardiden, 159.5 km

1. Lance Armstrong (USA) US Postal-Berry Floor 4.29.26
2. Iban Mayo (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 0.40
3. Jan Ullrich (Ger) Team Bianchi
4. Haimar Zubeldia (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
5. Christophe Moreau (Fra) Credit Agricole 0.43
6. Ivan Basso (Ita) Fassa Bortolo 0.47
7. Tyler Hamilton (USA) Team CSC 1.10
8. Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Team Telekom 2.07
9. JosÈ Luis Rubiera (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor 2.45
10. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Brioches La Boulangere 2.47

Overall:

1. Lance Armstrong (USA) US Postal-Berry Floor 65.36.23
2. Jan Ullrich (Ger) Team Bianchi 1.07
3. Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Team Telekom 2.45
4. Haimar Zubeldia (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 5.16
5. Iban Mayo (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 5.25
6. Ivan Basso (Ita) Fassa Bortolo 8.08
7. Tyler Hamilton (USA) Team CSC 9.02
8. Christophe Moreau (Fra) Credit Agricole 11.12
9. Francisco Mancebo (Spa) iBanesto.com 16.05
10. Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC 16.12