Armstrong 10th in California prologue

Eurosport - Mon, 16 Feb 13:57:00 2009

Seven-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong finished 10th in the prologue at the Tour of California in the first North America race of his comeback.

CYCLING 2009 Tour California Lance Armstrong (Astana) - 0

Armstrong, who made his comeback debut three weeks ago in the Tour Down Under in Australia, finished in four minutes, 37.17 seconds, 4.2 seconds behind prologue winner Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland.

"It's a new sensation because I haven't trained for efforts like that," Armstrong said after completing the 3.9-kilometre course around California's state Capitol.

"We changed the time-trial position a little bit, so it's the first time I got to go as hard as I could with a new position. All in all, I wanted to be top-10, top-15, so I have to be pretty happy."

Cancellara, a former two-times time trial world titlist, won in 4:32.9 seconds, with American Levi Leipheimer, twice defending race champion, second in 4:34.11. Third was American David Zabriskie in 4:35.55.

Armstrong, the 130th starter in a field of 136, attracted massive attention. He rode steadily in a tight tucked position and received the largest cheers on the overcast start of nine-day race's fourth edition.

"The crowd was amazing, they were like it was Australia," Armstrong said. "People are excited, but I don't think they're as excited as I am. I'm glad to be here and appreciate the support."

Cancellara, who won the 2007 Tour de France prologue, averaged 50.294 kph.

"It was big on the agenda for us to get this win for the team," said Cancellara. "Now the pressure is gone and we can see and enjoy the (leader's) jersey."

Floyd Landis, the dethroned 2006 Tour de France champion competing for the first time following a two-year doping suspension, finished 90th in 4:53.26, more than 20 seconds behind the winner. Landis crashed during a training ride on Thursday.

Carlos Sastre of Spain, the reigning Tour de France titlist who is competing in the United States for the first time, finished 114th in 4:58.59.

The nine-day event continues on Sunday with a 173.2-kilometre stage one road race from Davis to Santa Rosa, California.

Check the official Tour of California website at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

Reuters

Comment 1 - 13 of 13

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  1. Come july, Armstrong will be the man to beat. Critics­ silenced.

    From Tim, on Mon 16 Feb 12:06PM

  2. Keir, the point which seems to be beyond you is about­ revisionism. Yes Armstrong's TDF record is­ amazing, but the current media focus, totally eclipsing­ the WINNER'S performance, is totally out of synch­ and therefore not representative. It suggests the­ stature of a guy who won 20 major tours or­ something....

    Don't really know I'm wasting my­ time here. This board seems to be populated by idiot­ sycophants who are possibly drunk, invariably­ illiterate, certainly naive.

    From jonathan.hodgkins, on Mon 16 Feb 10:03AM

  3. When hi is the best why hi DOESN'T win anithing but­ Tour de France???Ask your self a llitle bit

    From Marko, on Mon 16 Feb 1:45AM

  4. Read Blazing Saddles - then comment on Lance. Armstrong­ the cycling legend - Livestrong!!!!

    From Champions, on Sun 15 Feb 10:59PM

  5. This is amazing after 3 year break guy is only fraction­ away from the best, he will get stronger as time goes­ by, Armstrong will win Tour De France, you'll see.­ Levi, cantador won't be able to follow his strong­ climbing. Nobody has Armstrong's determination,­ this is not just a physical sport but it is a­ psychological one. He is the best in the business even­ today. You jealous losers all you want.

    From Tamerair, on Sun 15 Feb 9:20PM

  6. Jonathon. The Stone Roses first album WAS the most­ important record of 1990s (= with Screamadelica).­ Unfortunatly they took too many drugs and quit the­ scene. Their long awaited return comeback album­ 'The Second Coming' never matched past glories.­ I cannot see what you think this has to do with­ Armstrong.

    From keir_williams, on Sun 15 Feb 7:27PM

  7. well said jonathon ... my sentiments as well .........­ journo's and bloggers take note pls take the­ bigger view

    From Me, on Sun 15 Feb 12:36PM

  8. Armstrong is a legend all the through history have been­ doped up but never caught

    From Gordon, on Sun 15 Feb 12:33PM

  9. the very best at this time

    From A H, on Sun 15 Feb 12:31PM

  10. The problem is that Armstrong is not even trying. He is­ so much better that he never gives 100%. If he wanted­ he could win yellow, green and dot shirt on Tour.

    From zorangrubic85, on Sun 15 Feb 11:32AM

  11. Is this the way it's going to be all season then?: ­ Armstrong 10th, Armstrong 3rd, Armstrong 7th etc etc­ etc. Er, how about Cancellara 1st? Bored of it­ already, and it's only February. "Armstrong­ is the best" eh v_kuntic? J*sus..... Lance is a­ bit like Nirvana, or the first Stone Roses record...­ Every young person who's interested in them are led­ to believe that they were more important first time­ 'round than they actually were... Mythstrong!

    From jonathan.hodgkins, on Sun 15 Feb 11:31AM

  12. he will still never come close to the likes of merckx­ no matter how many times he wins the tour.

    From simon.amery, on Sun 15 Feb 11:23AM

  13. Armstrong is the best

    From Vladimir, on Sun 15 Feb 10:41AM
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