Jan Ullrich signs autographs before the start of the gruelling 220.5km 14th stage from Agde to Ax-3-Domaines

Once the race begins a group of 15 riders, headed by Alexandre Moos, attack the peloton at the 7km mark

Spectators in fancy dress line the route as the Tour heads towards the Pyrenees

The leading group lose five riders as they forge a blistering pace with Italy's Stefano Garzelli powering ahead

Austria's George Totschnig edges away from the leaders and starts to open up a gap as they near the finish

Despite the best efforts of Ivan Basso and Lance Armstrong, Totschnig claims the stage victory

Totschnig is overcome with emotion as he steps onto the podium to celebrate victory

Yet another solid performance from Armstrong sees him extend his overall lead and retain the yellow jersey