Ivan Basso signs autographs as he starts stage 16 in second place behind Lance Armstrong

Armstrong leads Basso by 2 minutes 46 seconds at the start of the stage which goes from Mourenx to Pau

Australia's Cadel Evans leads a break and has a good stage to rise up four places in the overall rankings to seventh

However, Spain's Oscar Pereiro takes the stage after an exciting spring finish involving several riders

Pereiro kisses the trophy after his win as he celebrates his maiden stage victory

At the end of the stage Armstrong still has a commanding lead with just five stages remaining