Lance Armstrong (U.S. Postal Service) has taken the lead in the Dauphine Libere. Armstrong dominated Stage 3, a hilly, 33.4-km time trial from Saint Paul-en-Jarez to Saint-Heand, to win in 49:32. David Millar (Cofidis) finished second at 1:06, and Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) took third at 1:26. Armstrong took the race lead from Mayo, who won the prologue.

Andrea Peron (CSC) set the early standard with a 52:34. His mark stood until Inigo Charreau (Ag2r) crushed it with a 51:31. Armstrong shattered Charreau's mark and became the day's first and only sub-50-minute man. Millar and Mayo rode well, but Armstrong was king.

In the overall, Armstrong leads Millar by 1:01 and Mayo by 1:15. The man from Austin will face a stern challenge in Stage 4. The 237-km ride from Vienne to Morzine will feature the Category 1 Col de la Ramaz with 20 km left. Who will prevail? Check in at http://www.roadcycling.com/ and find out!

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