Armstrong: Mighty relief after sensible ride

But the American was put under severe pressure on the final climb by second-placed rider Jan Ullrich.

The German took second place on the stage, and gained one minute and 37 seconds over Armstrong.

However the American's lead of more than five minutes looms secure, even taking into account Friday's time trial near Ullrich's home in southern Germany.

Three years on but the victory salute is unchanged

The win came thanks to a superb performance on the day's final climb and a sensational descent into Morzine, but there was also luck involved.

As Virenque came into Morzine, Kelme rider Heras was right on his wheel.

But the Spaniard Heras smashed into a barrier on a tight left-hand turn, leaving him with a badly buckled front wheel.

"It's a pity Heras should have fallen in the last turn, but he would have struggled to beat me in the sprint," said Virenque.

Once he had changed his bike Heras came in three seconds behind Ullrich to take an unlucky third place.

Even worse for the Spaniard was his loss of third place overall due to the accident. Second place, in the same time as Virenque, would have taken him above compatriot Joseba Beloki.

Pantani paid dearly for early effort

The Italian, a 1997 stage winner on this road, was out in a breakaway for more than 100km, but suffered badly for the effort when he lost more than 13 minutes over the final climb.

David Millar finished the 16th stage in 65th place, 28 minutes behind Virenque.

Encouragingly for British fans, the former yellow jersey-holder rode with the lead group during the first part of the stage and should now finish his first Tour.