ANDORRA LA VELLA (Andorra) - THE eighth stage of the Tour de France is under way with a new leader, and Lance Armstrong in third after losing a spot to teammate Alberto Contador.

Riders are leaving the tiny Pyrenean principality of Andorra and heading to France with Saturday's 176.5-kilometer ride along three big climbs to Saint-Girons.

Rinaldo Nocentini became the first Italian rider in nine years to capture the yellow jersey after Friday's uphill finish in the Andorran ski station of Arcalis.

Overall, the Italian leads 2007 Tour winner Contador by six seconds, while seven-time champion Armstrong is eight seconds back.

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

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