11.   Armstrong, who excels in time trials, also is an excellent climber.

12.   Armstrong also won mountainous stages in the Alps and Pyrenees and an uphill time trial in the Alps this year.

13.   Armstrong won the final time trial both times, while Hamilton came in third last year and fourth this year.

14.   Armstrong cemented his lead with a victory in the time trial, paving the way for his coronation on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Sunday.

15.   Armstrong has pinpointed the team time trial as a key stage to make an early move before the Tour hits the mountain stages.

16.   Armstrong has won all three time trials in the past two Tours.

17.   As reigning national champion in the time trial, Holden started last.

18.   As for time trials, he will see Monday whether he is improving.

19.   At Dover Downs, Waltrip was forced to burn a provisional entry when he was not fast enough to make the field during time trials.

20.   Benson nearly accomplished the feat last weekend at Phoenix, where he finished fourth in the time trials.