Armstrong gains overall lead

ARRAS, France, July 7 (UPI) -- Five-time winner Lance Armstrong took the overall lead Wednesday in the Tour de France.

Armstrong's U.S. Postal Service team dominated the team trials and gave him a 36-second lead over fellow American Tyler Hamilton.

"We have a very strong team this year," Armstrong said. "I feel they've all improved a lot since last year."

The result of the team event is a boost for Armstrong in his bid to win a sixth straight title.

Under new rules this year, individual riders gain or lose time depending on how their team places.

The race heads to Chartres Thursday and ends in Paris July 25.