Lance Armstrong back full strength on favourite Tour

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 15.5km 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... [read full story]                    

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