Australian cyclist Robbie McEwen has won the fifth stage of the Tour de France, but six-time champion Lance Armstrong of the United States retained the overall lead.
McEwen sped ahead of Belgian Tom Boonen in a sprint finish to win the 183-km stage in 3:46:00. Thor Hushovd of Norway was third.
Armstrong was 45th but all the riders in the huge lead group were credited with the same time. He retained the overall lead 55 seconds ahead of Discovery teammate George Hincapie.
Jens Voight of Germany is third overall more than one minute behind Armstrong. The sixth stage covers 199-km (from Troyes to Nancy) and includes four category four climbs and three intermediate sprints.
Armstrong is attempting to win the Tour for an unprecedented seventh straight time. The American has said this will be his last ride in cycling's premier event.
Some information for this report provided by AP.
