Ullrich could not keep pace with Armstrong

Ullrich finished second while Joseba Beloki of the ONCE team took third spot - exactly the same order as last year's overall standings in the Tour.

Britain's David Millar, who was 172nd at the start of the day, pulled out of the Tour after another disappointing day.

Armstrong made a break from a small group, including rival Jan Ullrich, in the final 10 kilometres on the difficult final ascent of the Alpe d'Huez.

It was a harsh ending for long-time leader Laurent Roux who had been in front for almost 200km of the 209km stage.

Frenchman Roux was caught around seven kilometres from the finishing line as Armstrong began his assault, in earnest, on retaining his crown.

Roux had the consolation of winning two of the Highest Category climbs during the stage to head the King of the Mountains competition, while O'Grady held on to the green jersey.

Thousands lined the tight winding roads as the cyclists set off at 0942 BST.

Roux (left with Jimenez) was denied at the death

Half an hour into the race, a gang of three including Jean Delatour's Roux, Banesto's Eladio Jimenez and Kelme's Antonio Taulmer, made a decisive break from the main peloton.

Roux was the only recognisable climber in the trio and his talents began to shine through as first Taulmer then Jimenez fell away to leave the Frenchman with the task of finishing the final ascent, on his own.

Further back, a more significant battle developed as the German Ullrich and Armstrong broke away to form a smaller peloton.

The two favourites then made another break before Armstrong, after a cheeky glance at Ullrich, sped away as if he was taking part in a time trial.

It brought cheers from the crowd who were treated to a fantastic piece of tactical riding.

Wednesday sees the second time trial of the Tour - a 32km sprint uphill from Grenoble to Chamrousse.