July 11, 2009 Armstrong still third behind Nocentini, Contador

SAINT-GIRONS, France (AP) - Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong remains in third place overall in the Tour de France, after Spain's Luis Leon Sanchez won the eighth stage in a sprint ahead of three other breakaway riders.

Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy retained the yellow jersey Saturday, with 2007 Tour winner Alberto Contador six seconds back and his Astana teammate Armstrong eight seconds back.

Riders left the tiny Pyrenean principality of Andorra, returning to France on a 110-mile ride that featured three big climbs to Saint-Girons.

The Tour ends July 26 in Paris, with the Alps, a final individual time trial and the dreaded Mont Ventoux awaiting.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)