MONACO, July 4 — Lance Armstrong returned to his favourite stage four years after winning a record seventh consecutive Tour de France and set a respectable time in the opening time trial today.
The 18th rider to set off in Monaco, Armstrong clocked 20 minutes 12 seconds for the 15.5-km course to briefly top the standings. The American hinted afterwards that he had not expected a winning start to the race.
“We will see where the other ones are but I did not have big illusions”, the 37-year-old told reporters.
“I was a bit nervous but it is logical. I’m just happy to be here even if we don’t win today because there are a lot of other things I could be doing right now.
“It is a difficult course for sure but I think it is difficult for everybody. It is very technical, it is hard to find a rhythm but that’s logical after years away,” Armstrong added.
“What a beautiful race. It was fun. I felt pretty good, overall, I feel good. I was a little bit all over the place.”
After a 20-minute session on a roller with a Livestrong jersey on his shoulders, came the moment the cycling media and fans had been waiting for and Armstrong went to the start, where he received a warm welcome from the crowd.
Armstrong, who returned to racing in January after 3 1/2 years in retirement made a cautious start but progressively found his rhythm.
He struggled a bit in the descent of the Cote de Beausoleil at some 90kph, crossing the finish line in a muggy weather.
Defending champion Carlos Sastre was due to be the last man out, starting at 1708 GMT (1.08am, Sunday, Malaysian time) with fellow Spaniard and hot favourite Alberto Contador scheduled three minutes earlier. – Reuters
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
