Steels pulls out at fifth stage

Belgian champion Tom Steels became the first rider to abandon this year's Tour de France today.

The Mapei rider, who has won nine stages in previous Tours, quit during the 195km fifth stage from Soissons to Rouen.

Steels, 30, was 188th of the 189 riders going into the stage, 24 minutes and 28 seconds behind leader Igor Gonzalez Galdeano.

Meanwhile, Lance Armstrong is already in a strong position to claim a fourth Tour victory in a row.

The American started today just seven seconds behind the leader and said: "I have to be careful not to let any dangerous riders get away."