Armstrong looks vulnerable

The 37-year-old American, who returned to competitive cycling with Astana three-and-a-half years after retiring, has appeared more human on the bike and could benefit from this to win the hearts of the French fans.

The ultimate winning machine in his heyday, Armstrong has had a strained relationship with the country of his greatest triumphs.

“I hope he will not be there. Is he afraid of France? Nobody forced him to come, he only has to stay at home. He cannot win the Tour. I hope (Alberto) Contador gives him a beating,” Frenchman and five-times Tour winner Bernard Hinault was quoted as saying by Le Parisien last month.

Armstrong, who fought testicular cancer before dominating the Tour from 1999 to 2005, has had more lows than highs since returning to racing in January at the Tour Down Under.

Having never been sidelined with a crash-related injury before 2005, the Texan came off his bike three times in a few months, most notably during the first stage of March's Tour of Castilla y Leon, when he broke his collarbone.

Armstrong recovered in time to take part in his first Giro d'Italia in May where he was targeting a stage win.

He failed in that but managed a creditable 12th place overall, although his 53rd in the Giro's final time trial showed the American was not ready to hammer the competition as he used to.

First Win

Instead, Armstrong had to be content with victory at the unheralded Nevada City Classic last month for his first professional win since his comeback.

Things have changed since Armstrong's last appearance in the Tour four years ago and he will not lead his team, instead working for Spaniard Alberto Contador, the 2007 winner and favorite for the title.

However, Armstrong is confident he can again do well in the Tour, which starts on Saturday in Monaco.

“In 2001, 2004 and 2005, when I came I was sure I would win,” he told French radio station Europe 1.

“I don't have the same confidence now but I am about as fit as in 2003, when it was a very tight Tour. Let's say I have a three-to-one chance to win.”

Italian rider Ivan Basso is convinced the American can pull off a surprise.

“He will ride the Tour like no one else because he has the experience of seven Tour de France wins,” he said. “He will go like a beast.”

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