Team Columbia HTK guides Mark Cavendish (in green) and eventually drags a crafty Lance Armstrong in their wake enroute to Cavendish's second stage victory that vaulted Armstrong ahead of the major contenders.

Lance Armstrong simply refuses to roll over and accept that Alberto Contador will lead Team Astana. The smarts of the seven-time champ earned him the highest place among his team members in the overall classification.

When you looked at the profile of today’s stage of the Tour de France, it was obvious that it was flat as a pancake for the last 50 kilometers. What wasn’t obvious was that the course would be subject to crosswinds and that riders needed to be attentive. Armstrong and three of his teammates, none of them vying for team leadership, joined race leader Fabian Cancellara of Saxo and rode the train of Team Columbia HTC when the winds kicked up. All of Columbia was on the front and turned on the gas for sprinter Mark Cavendish. Armstrong, Cancellara, Thor Hushovd and a few guys from Skil Shimano and Milram made the split.

Among the favorites left behind were Armstrong’s teammates vying for the overall leadership: Levi Leiphimer, Alberto Contador and Andreas Kloden, as well as favorites Denis Menchov, Carlos Sastre, Andy Schleck, Cadel Evans and Christian VandeVelde. Each lost another 39 seconds.

The big  winners were Cavendish, who earned his second stage victory, Cancellara, Armstrong and three riders in good position for Columbia: Mick Rogers, Tony Martin and Kim Kirchen. Cancellara remained first, Martin moved up to second, Armstrong to third. Rogers lost about 30 seconds in the opening time trial because he had to stop twice to adjust his chain, so he’s back in the mix, 11th overall.

The big losers could be Astana if infighting surfaces: Armstrong’s cheeky move with three teammates only reinforces the impression of a rift in the team, especially between Armstrong and Contador.

Monday’s result makes the team time trial Tuesday even more intriguiging: A good ride from Columbia could put Tony Martin in the yellow jersey. The most interesting ride will be among the Astana riders. Watch who does the longest and strongest pulls at the front. Don’t be surprised if Armstrong and Contador push longer and harder than their teammates in an attempt to establish their superiority within the team. Their extra individual motivation could make Astana a prohibitive favorite in the stage.

For a firsthand report, check out cyclingews.