Lance Armstrong said his hopes of Tour de France victory are finished after he struggled in the Alps and was caught up in three crashes during an eighth stage won by Andy Schleck of Luxembourg on Sunday.

World champion Cadel Evans of Australia took the yellow jerseyat the end of the stage, with overnight leader Sylvain Chavanel — like Armstrong — falling behind the top contenders on the tough La Ramaz climb.

The Texan crossed the finish line nearly 12 minutes behind Schleck after the 117.4-mile run from Station des Rousses to the Morzine-Avoriaz ski resort.

“My Tour is finished,” said Armstrong, who holds a record seven Tour victories and is riding in what he says will be his last try in cycling’s showcase event. The 38-year-old plunged to 39th place overall.  (Read More).