Lance Armstrong is already looking forward to Saturday's potentially decisive time trial after a quiet final day in the Pyrenees.

The American, bidding for a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title, was happy to let compatriot Tyler Hamilton grab the limelight in Wednesday's 16th stage as he stayed safely in the peloton on the way to the Atlantic coast.

The Texan finished 24th, one minute and 55 seconds behind his former team mate to preserve his 67-second lead over nearest rival Jan Ullrich of Germany.

With two flat stages before Saturday's time trial, Armstrong is comfortable with his cushion over the German, despite being well beaten in the 47 km timed test last week.

"I've done the training and I've got everything ready," said Armstrong who avoided a repeat of the crash that almost wrecked his Tour on Monday.

"I guess it just depends on how I feel and (Ullrich) feels but I can tell you that I sleep better with a lead of a minute and seven seconds than I do with only 15 seconds.

"My goal is to win the stage. I've never lost the final time trial in a Tour de France and I don't plan on starting this year.

"Ullrich will be difficult to beat but going in, my objective is to win." 

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