Tom Steels again wins a stage of the Tour de France.

16.20 Frite Fried

The Farm Frite rider's surge is over, now Telekom take over with 1km to go

16.20 Mapei, Telekom, CA...

With 2km to Mapei are joined by Telekom at the front and now there's an attack by a Farm Frites rider...

16.20 3km To Go

Mapei are now in control as we have 3km to race.

16.20 Voigt And Commesso Caught

Voigt and Commesso's surge is now over. With four kilometers to go they have been swept up by the Festina team.

16.18 5km To Go

Voigt and Commesso are clear of the peloton with 5km to go. They have a lead of about 70 meters

16.17 Attack From Voigt

Jens Voigt has attacked the bunch and has quickly been joined by Salvatore Commesso. They have a slight lead over the peloton.

16.17 Cofidis Gone From The Front

Finally the red and blue of the Cofidis team have gone from the front of the bunch. Now Festina's Christophe Moreau lines up to help his sprinter, Marcel Wust. Also in the line-up is Credit Agricole, Telekom and Mapei.

16.15 Strange Conclusion

Unlike the arrow-head we're used to seeing at this point of a flat stage, the peloton is bunching up with no real sese of urgency. Farm Frites are now emerging near the front for their sprinter, Robbie McEwen who won the last road stage of the Tour - on the Champs Elysees last year.

16.10 10km To Go

Telekom and Mapei are now beginning to take over the tempo-setting duties at the front of the peloton. They have 10km still to race.

16.10 11km To Go

The peloton is bunching up - with no sense of urgency - as they approach the 10km to go kite. The Telekom team are on the left-hand side of the road, Cofidis in the centre and Credit Agricole to the right.

16.07 Virenque Up Front Too

Richard Virenque, who suffered a puncture only a few mintes ago, is up near the front of the peloton working for his team's sprinter, Jeroen Blijlevens.

16.04 15km To Race

Benoit Joachim of the US Postal team has come to the front of the peloton with 15km to race. His team's sprinter, George Hincapie might yet get a chance for a stage win in a day which seems destined for a sprint finish.

16.04 Still All Nine Cofdis Riders Up Front

The pace set by the Cofidis team is holding off any opportunistic escapes. The team which containes yellow jersey wearer, David Millar, continue to control the peloton.

16.01 Virenque Back With Peloton

Two of Virenque's team-mates have helped him rejoin the peloton after a puncture.

16.01 Virenque Punctures

The leader of the Polti team has punctured. He has a new rear-wheel and is chasing the peloton.

15.57 No Attacks From Cofidis' Tempo

With 20km to race the Cofidis team continue to control the peloton. There have been no attacks in the last 5km.

15.49 25km To Race

There are just 25km to race today. The Cofidis team continue to control the tempo at the front of the peloton, but the teams of the sprinters - as well as Zulle's Banesto team - are beginning to appear at the front of the bunch.

15.47 Voigt Rejoins The Peloton

After a puncture, Credit Agricole's Jens Voigt has rejoined the back of the peloton.

15.43 Voigt Suffers Puncture

Credit Agricole's Jens Voigt has punctured. He has a new wheel and is now chasing to get back up the front.

15.42 Armstrong Now Makes An Appearance Near Front

The first sign of Lance Armstrong's green jersey has been seen sitting at the back of the leading Cofidis team in about 15th place.

15.39 No Sign Of Armstrong

There has been no sign of the green jersey of Lance Armstrong at the front of the peloton all day. The Cofidis team continue to set the tempo at the front of the peloton although the teams of the sprinters are now working their way to the front of the race.

15.36 Short Surge By Moerenhout

Moerenhout's attack was short-lived. He is already back in the peloton after three kilometers at the front.

15.33 Moerenhout's Lead

Moerenhout attacked at the 157th kilometer. He has an advantage of seven seconds.

15.33 Moerenhout Attacks

Koos Moerenhout of the Farm Frites team has attacked the peloton. He has a lead of about 70 meters on the Cofidis-led peloton.

15.28 Dekker Off The Back With Cramp

After his long day at the front, Erik Dekker has gone to the medical car at the back of the bunch complaining of cramp.

15.27 Festina Arrive At The Front Of Peloton

The Festina team captained by Marcel Wust are beginning to show their colors at the front of the peloton. Wust might be wearing the king of the mountains jersey, but with four stage wins in the Tour of Spain last year, all in sprints, today might be his day.

15.22 113km Solo For Durand

Durand's effort at the front today lasted for 113km. The Cofidis team continues to lead the peloton, but soon it will be the turn of the sprinters' teams to come to the fore...

15.20 Peloton All Back Together

Durand's efforts are all over now. He and Sandstodt have now been absorbed by the peloton. There are 45km still to race.

15.17 Durand Waiting On Sandstodt

Jacky Durand is now within the sights of Sandstodt. The Lotto rider is waiting for the Jack & Jones rider, but the peloton is also within sight of both escapees.

15.17 Sandstodt Attacks Peloton

Michael Sandstodt has attacked the peloton. The Jack & Jones rider is six seconds head of the peloton.

15.16 Dekker Rejoins Peloton

Erik Dekker's yellow hopes are now over. He has rejoined the peloton after spending 109km at the front of the race.

15.15 Durand 30" Ahead of Peloton

Jacky Durand is now alone at the front of the race. His lead is 30" on the Cofidis-led peloton.

15.14 Durand Surges Again.

After consulting with his Lotto director, Durand has attacked his escape companion, Dekker and is now alone at the front of the race.

15.09 Richard Virenque Attacks Peloton

Richard Virenque was the first rider to jump ahead of the Cofidis chase. He and two other Polti team members have gone off the front of the peloton just as it appears that Durand and Dekker have given up their effort at the front of the race.

15.09 Lead Now Under Two Minutes

The two escapees' advantage is down to 1'45" at the third sprint of the day at Chatellerault (138.5km).

15.07 Millar Takes Some Green Points

David Millar led the peloton over the line at the third sprint of the day. The results are: 1. Dekker (Rabobank); 2. Durand (Lotto); 3. Millar (Cofidis).

15.06 Dekker Grabs More Sprint Points

Erik Dekker has again led Jacky Durand over the line at the intermediate sprint. The Dutchman has earned himself 18 points in the green jersey competition.

15.03 100km Break

The two leaders have been at the front of the race for 100km now. They are just about to contest the third sprint of the day and have a lead of 2'35".

15.02 Lead Drops Again

The lead of Durand and Dekker has dropped again. They are now 2'35" ahead of the peloton.

14.58 Third Sprint Due Soon

The leading duo are now approaching the third intermediate sprint of the day at Chaterllerault (138.5km). Their lead is now back up to 2'50".

14.56 Hamilton Okay After Fall Early Today

US Postal's Tyler Hamilton was involved in a fall earlier in the stage, but reports from the medical car confirm that his injuries are only slight - with abrasions on his elbow.

14.54 Sprinters' Teams Joining Chase

While the Cofidis team still dominates the head of the chasing peloton, the teams of the Tour's sprinters are now also beginning to show at the front. Telekom for Erik Zabel, Credit Agricole for Stuart O'Grady... The Bonjour team of Francois Simon is also up near the front.

14.49 Lead Under Three Minutes

The two leaders now have an advantage of 2'45" on the peloton.

14.45 Lead Down To Three Minutes

Dekker and Durand are now three minutes ahead of the chasing peloton. Their lead reached a maximum of 5'20" at the 75km mark.

14.43 Durand The Last French Stage Winner

Jacky Durand - who is currently at the head of the race, along with Erik Dekker - was the last French rider to win a stage of the Tour. His win was in stage eight of the 1998 Tour de France.

14.41 Leaders' Advantage Dropping

The two leaders - Dekker & Durand - are now 3'15" ahead of the peloton.

14.40 Average For Third Hour

The average speed for the third hour of racing is 46.3kph. The total average for the day is 39.45kph.

14.34 Dekker & Durand Lead By 3'40"

The two escapees, Erik Dekker and Jacky Durand, are still at the head of the race. Their lead on the peloton is 3'40".

14.32 Loudun's Claim To Fame

One of the claims to fame of the site of today's finish, Loudun, is that Marie Besnard - nicknamed the 'Good Dame of Loudun' - was suspected to have killed 11 men. In 1961 she was arrested and brought to trial, but there was no real evidence to convict her and she walked free.

14.27 Peloton Passes Through Feedzone

The leading duo have an advantage of 3'35" as the peloton passes through the feedzone at the 105km mark. The main field has 88km left to race in today's stage.

14.25 Quilfen Asks Lelli To Ease Pace

The director of the Cofidis team, Bernard Quilfen, has asked Massimiliano Lelli to ease off the pace of the chase of the two leaders. He wants Millar to hold the jersey until the team time trial. With about 85km stillto race, Dekker & Durand, have a 3'35" lead.

14.23 Cofidis' Chase

The multi national Cofidis team which surrounds David Millar's chase at the front of the peloton are: Frank Vandenbroucke, Nico Mattan, Chris Peers (Bel), David Moncoutie, Laurent Desbiens, Laurent Lefevre (Fr), Massimiliano Lelli (It) and Roland Meier (Switz).

14.17 Lead Now Under Four Minutes

The Cofidis chase is now taking effect. The latest time check has the two leaders 3'55" ahead of the Cofidis-led peloton with 94km left to race today.

14.15 Yellow Shorts For Millar

David Millar has begun the day with the yellow jersey and matching yellow cycling 'knicks' and yellow helmet. The Scotish rider appears to be in high spirits, smiling away at the back of the Cofidis teams' chase of the two escapees.

14.10 Lead Now 4'35"

The advantage of the two leaders is now 4'35". The entire Cofidis team is at the front of the chasing peloton.

14.08 Dekker In Yellow 'On The Road'

Erik Dekker began the day in 10th place. He was 36" behind the lead of David Millar. At the moment he has the yellow jersey if he is able to maintain his current advantage. If he grabs the race lead, he'll be the first Dutchman to wear the yellow jersey since Erik Breukink in 1989.

14.00 Lead Under 5 Minutes Now

After the second sprint, the Cofidis team's chase appears to be gaining momentum: the two leaders are now losing time. The latest time check has Dekker and Durand 4'50" ahead of the peloton.

14.00 Results of Second Sprint

The results of the second intermediate sprint (at Verrieres, 85km) are: 1. Erik Dekker (Rabobank), 2. Jacky Durand (Lotto), 3. Laurent Lefevre (Cofidis). Lefevre was 4'50" behind the two leaders.

13.55 Dekker Wins Second Sprint

The two leaders have passed the second intermediate sprint of the day - at Verrieres (85km). Erik Dekker again took the six points (and 6 second time bonus) ahead of Jacky Durand.

13.54 Lead Drops For The First Time

The latest time check has Dekker and Durand at the front of the race by 5'15". It's the first time since Dekker's attack at the 35th kilometer that the lead has dropped.

13.49 Lead Grows Again

The two leaders have pushed their advantage beyond five minutes. Dekker and Durand now have a lead of 5'20" on the Cofidis-led peloton.

13.48 Average Speed For Second Hour

The average for the second hour of racing is 42.5kph. The total average for the day is 36.05kph.

13.42 Still Five Minute Lead

At the 70km mark, the two leaders - Dekker and Durand - still have a five minute lead. Cofidis are at the front of the peloton.

13.29 Results Chateau-Larcher Sprint

The riders who earned points are: 1. Dekker (Rabobank); 2. Durand (Lotto); 3. Francois Simon (Bonjour). Simon led the peloton over the line five minutes behind the two escapees.

13.25 Dekker Takes Six Points

At the first intermediate sprint, Erik Dekker led Jacky Durand over the line. He earned six points (and a 6 second time bonus) for his effort.

13.20 First Intermediate Sprint Due Soon

The first of three intermediate sprints is due at Chateau-Larcher (at the 59.5km mark). There are two riders clear of the peloton. They are Rabobank's Erik Dekker and Lotto's Jacky Durand. Their lead is now four minutes.

13.12 Lead increased

Dekker and Durand have a lead of four minutes at the 52km mark.

13.12 Leaders Now Over 3 Minutes Ahead

Dekker and Durand now have a lead of 3'10". They have just passed the 49km mark.

13.10 Dekker Best Placed Of Escapees

Of the two escapees, Erik Dekker is the best placed. He began the day in 10th place 36 seconds behind the lead of David Millar. The other rider, Jacky Durand, began the day in 38th place, 1'07" off the lead of Millar.

13.08 Cofidis Leading Peloton

The two escapees, Durand and Dekker, now have a lead of 2'30". The Cofidis team are at the front of the peloton.

13.04 Durand & Dekker Now With 2'10" Lead

Dekker and Durand have a lead of 2'10" at the 43rd kilometer.

12.52 First Attack Of The Day

Erik Dekker of the Rabobank team has made an attack. He made his move at the 43rd kilometer of today's 194km stage. He is being chased by Jacky Durand (Lotto).

12.50 Average For The First Hour

The average speed for the first hour of racing was 29.60kph.

12.46 Still All Together

After a little more than an hour's worth of racing, the peloton is still all together.

12.25 First Tour Visit To Loudun

Today's finish in Loudun will be the first time in the 87 year history of the Tour that the small town in the Vienne region has hosted a stage-finish.

12.19 Pantani Has A Mechanical Problem

The winner of the 1998 Tour de France, Marco Pantani is having some trouble with his bike. Two fellow Mercatone Uno riders have dropped back to make sure he gets back to the peloton without any trouble.

12.15 No Attacks Yet

There has been little action in the first half-hour of racing in the second stage. The peloton is still all together with little sign of any attacking intentions yet.

12.02 Stage Finish Time Bonuses

As well as the three intermediate time bonuses, there are also time gains available for the first three riders at the finish for all road stages this year. The bonuses are 20 seconds for first, 12" for second and 8" for third.

11.56am The Sprints Today

There are three intermediate sprints today. The first is at Chateau-Larcher (59.5km), the second at Verrieres (85km) and the third at Chaterllerault (138.5km). There are time bonuses of 6 seconds, 4" and 2" for the first three across the line.

11.53am No Climbs Today

Today's 194km route from Futuroscope to Loudun has no climbs at all. Marcel Wust will therefore continue to wear the polka-dot jersey through to tomorrow's third stage. He leads Frankie Andreu (US Postal) and Francois Simon (Bonjour) in the climbing classification.

11.51am Marcel Wust In Climber's Jersey.

The King of the Mountains jersey was decided yesterday by timing the fastest rider to ride up the 107 meter rise of the Cote de Jaunay Clan. Festina's in-house sprinter, Marcel Wust, won the prize and earned himself the reward of the Polka-Dot jersey for his one-kilometer effort.

11.47amPeloton Together

After 10 minutes of racing the peloton is all together. The only disruption to the steady tempo so far has been a puncture for Mercatone Uno's Erico Zaina, but he has already returned to the peloton.

11.39am Racing

After a 3.3km neutral period, racing in the second stage of the Tour de France officially began at 11.38pm. There are 177 riders still in the race.

11.37am Riders In Neutral Zone Before the Start Proper

Riders In Neutral Zone Before the Start Proper. The roll-out from Futuroscope began at 12.35pm.

11.35am Lance In Green Today

David Millar earned himself the right to wear 3 of the four special classification leader's jerseys - yellow of race leader, white of best young rider and the green of points champion. Because Millar is wearing the yellow, however, Lance Armstrong will race in the green jersey today.

11.24am Golden Day For David Millar

Scottish rider David Millar will wear the yellow jersey of race leader in the 194km stage from Futuroscope to Loudun. He leads last year's overall winner, Lance Armstrong, by two seconds.

11.18am Welcome To Stage Two of the 2000 Tour de France

The second stage of the 2000 Tour de France is due to begin in a little over half an hour. After a team introduction and a 3.3km neutral zone, racing in the first road stage of the 87th Tour is scheduled to begin at 11.52pm.

10.25am Stage 2 almost underway

The riders are preparing themselves for today's second stage start which is due to commence at 11.52am