MONT-VENTOUX (France), July 21: Frenchman Richard Virenque robbed Lance Armstrong of the chance of achieving one of his career goals when he won the Tour de France’s 14th stage at the top of the infamous Mont Ventoux on Sunday.

The American earned some consolation though, humbling his rivals for the overall race victory over the 21-kilometre climb.

Armstrong, holder of the yellow jersey, now leads nearest rival Joseba Beloki of Spain by four minutes and 21 seconds overall. Lithuanian Raimondas Rumsas is a surprising third in the standings, 6:39 behind the American.

Provoked by closest rival Beloki seven kilometres from the top of the moonlike Ventoux, Armstrong — a three times Tour champion — hit back and left the Spaniard and all his other rivals in his wake.

But Armstrong, who let Italian Marco Pantani win up the Ventoux two years ago, made his move too late and could not catch Virenque, who had broken away in the early stages of the 221 kms ride in the sun.

Meanwhile, three spectators, including a child, were injured, organisers said.

One man was struck by a police motorcycle at the 132-kilometre mark but was only slightly bruised.

Another police motorcycle was in collision with an 11-year-old boy on the climb to Mont Ventoux. The child was treated on the spot by Tour doctors who stitched his knee.

An amateur cyclist riding on the Ventoux climb before the race was also hit by a Tour vehicle but the police described her injuries as minor.

On Wednesday the Tour was overshadowed by the death of a seven-year-old boy who was struck by a publicity car during the 10th stage between Bazas and Pau.—Reuters