ISSOUDUN, France—The tension is clear between teammates Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong. That’s nothing, however, compared to the anger many riders feel toward Tour de France organizers.

On a day when Contador and Armstrong held their second and third spots in the overall standings and Britain’s Mark Cavendish won the 10th stage, the Tour took a giant technological leap backward Tuesday.

Riders were stripped of their customary earpieces, left to fend for themselves and denied contact with their teams during the 121-mile route. The decision to ban rider radios and T...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.