...even start today's stage because of a sprained neck. Cipollini and Gotti joined Tony Rominger, Alex Zuelle and Yevgeny Berzin on the sidelines after the first week of the race that ends in Paris July 27. Rominger and Berzin broke collarbones...

...races - and Richard Virenque, the top climber of last year's Tour and third overall. Others top contenders include Yevgeny Berzin of Russia, who beat Indurain at the Tour of Italy one year; Ivan Gotti of Italy, this year's Tour of Italy winner...

...Virenque in the Alps, even gaining another 40 seconds at one stage. Early on, Tony Rominger of Switzerland and Yevgeny Berzin of Russia were eliminated with broken collarbones. Falls also played a part in the withdrawal of Alex Zuelle of Switzerland...

...Mario Cipollini, who won the first two stages, and world champion Johan Museeuw. Also missing are Alex Zuelle, Yevgeny Berzin and Ivan Gotti, considered among the favorites before the start. Falls, illnesses and injuries have whittled down...