Immediately after the start there was a restless course of the race with many attacks, including by Richard Virusque . However, they were quickly put back from the field under the leadership of the US Postal team.
Only Jens Voigt and Sylvain Chavanel were able to gain a stable lead over the main field. Michael Rasmussen from the Rabobank team took up the chase alone, but was only able to catch up after a while. After 110 kilometers at the front, Sylvain Chavanel could no longer follow and had to let go.
On the final climb there was an elimination run, which Roberto Heras and Jan Ullrich fell victim to. Initially, Ivan Basso , Andreas Klöden , Francisco Mancebo and Georg Totschnig were able to keep up with Armstrong. After increasing the pace, the Armstrong / Basso groups formed at the top, followed by Georg Totschnig and the Mancebo / Klöden group. Armstrong was able to prevail against Basso in a direct sprint. Georg Totschnig came third. The fourth and fifth places went to Andreas Klöden and Francisco Mancebo. Jan Ullrich crossed the finish line in sixth place, well over two minutes behind.
Thomas Voeckler was just able to maintain his yellow jersey. He is now only 22 seconds ahead of second-placed Lance Armstrong.
Tyler Hamilton , who was still seen as an aspirant for overall victory at the beginning of the tour, had to give up the race and Iban Mayo also lost over a quarter of an hour.
