Seven-time champion
Lance Armstrong proved his
Tour de France credentials once again when he climbed to third overall following a spectacular third stage on Monday.
Briton Mark Cavendish snatched the stage victory after 122 miles from Marseille to La Grande Motte but the day's big winner was Armstrong, the only favorite who was not caught out by a sharp break from Team Columbia.
Spaniard Contador, named Astana's team leader ahead of Armstrong, slipped 19 seconds behind the 37-year-old Texan.
"I am not OK with that theory saying there can be only one team leader," said Armstrong. "I have won seven Tours de France, I will have to be counted in."
Astana sports director Alain Gallopin said there would not be any problems within the team even though Armstrong has somehow upset the hierarchy.
"There are no troubles at all in our team, it's even the contrary," he said.
