Armstrong Sets Stage With Win

Lance Armstrong, the two-time Olympian who returned to racing after overcoming testicular cancer, scored a stunning personal triumph Saturday by winning the prologue of the Tour de France.

Riding for the U.S. Postal Service team, Armstrong won the 4 1/4-mile time trial in 8 minutes, 2.5 seconds, seven seconds ahead of Alex Zulle of Switzerland of the Banesto team.

Third, 11 seconds behind the winner, was Abraham Olano of the Spanish team ONCE. Frenchman Christophe Moreau was fourth, and Britain’s Chris Boardman, last year’s prologue winner, finished fifth.

Armstrong’s success came as the Tour de France struggles to emerge from the shadow of the drug scandal that rocked last year’s race.

Asked about the scandal, Armstrong said, “I’m here for the love of cycling,” adding that he hoped “the other 179 guys are too.”

Asked about his victory, he said: “With my problems, my history, it is incredible. The Tour de France is the greatest race in the world.”

Armstrong, 28, of Austin, Texas, won the 1993 world championship and competed for U.S. Olympic teams in 1992 and 1996.

On Oct. 2, 1996, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. He underwent surgery to remove his right testicle and lesions from his brain.

After months of rehabilitation and recovery, Armstrong returned to racing in February.

He won stages of the Tour in 1993 and 1995, but has struggled through its mountainous middle stages.

The drug crisis that enveloped last year’s race was still being discussed by fans Saturday. Many said this year’s race could make or break the sport.

“Doping is just like nuclear weapons,” said Queffelec Christian, a French fan. “Bring it all down to zero.”

French cycling star Richard Virenque remains under investigation on drug charges. He competed Saturday.

On Wednesday, the Tour reluctantly bowed to pressure from cycling’s governing body and readmitted the controversial rider, whom it had earlier barred because “his presence would be incompatible with the image of the Tour.”

Many top riders are missing. The two previous winners, Jan Ullrich of Germany and Bjarne Riis of Denmark, are injured.

* UPHILL CLIMB: Tour de France tries to win back credibility after suspensions of racers and allegations over drug use. A24

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Tour de France

A look at the 86th running of cycling’s showcase:

* SATURDAY: Prologue, 4 1/4-mile time trial in Puy-du-Fou, France.

* WINNER: Lance Armstrong, United States. Armstrong, a two-time Olympian who has returned to racing after overcoming testicular cancer, marked another notch in his comeback, winning the prologue in 8 minutes 2.5 seconds.

* HOW OTHERS FARED: Alex Zulle, Switzerland, was second, seven seconds back; Britain’s Chris Boardman, last year’s prologue winner, was fifth, 16 seconds back.

* QUOTE OF THE DAY: “With my problems, my history, it is incredible. The Tour de France is the greatest race in the world.” -- Lance Armstrong.

* TODAY: First stage, Montaigu to Challans (129 miles).