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Lance Armstrong produced a brief cameo at Willunga as he nears the end of his last overseas cycling race. The record seven-time Tour de France champion was the big name in a breakaway group of seven riders during stage five of the Tour Down Under.
They gained about 40 seconds on the peloton after the first of two climbs up Willunga Hill, but were soon caught.
Armstrong is nearing the end of his three-year cycling comeback, which started with the 2009 Tour Down Under.
His RadioShack team had hoped to keep their Australian sprinter Robbie McEwen in contention for the overall title, but McEwen lost a minute and 48 seconds at Willunga.
Spaniard Francisco Ventoso won the stage, while Cameron Meyer leads Matt Goss by just eight seconds overall.
“I’m a little disappointed we couldn’t keep Robbie up there and go for the overall, that’s the main thing on my mind,” Armstrong said.
But Armstrong praised the massive crowds that the Tour Down Under continues to attract.
The Willunga Hill climb was packed with fans well before the riders attacked the Tour landmark.
“Really, hats off to them, it’s really good to have top level pros here and top level racing, but it’s the fans who make the difference, I think,” Armstrong said.
“You see Willunga today and you see the climb, how many people are there, how enthusiastic they are, not just for myself but for everybody, it’s a great atmosphere.
“It makes what we think is a hard job a lot easier.
“I’ve seen a lot of bike races and there are very few, if any, that feel like this, so they should be proud of that.”
Armstrong has not achieved any big results in his three Tours Down Under, but he and the race have been very good for each other.
His State Government appearance fee has proved a great investment, with crowds noticeably increased since he came to the race.
The Adelaide Tour has been a pleasant start to what could prove a tough year for the American.
A Sports Illustrated feature due out early next week detailed a series of doping allegations against Armstrong, who has vehemently denied using performance enhancing substances.
On Friday night, Armstrong used his Twitter feed to note that American anti-doping authorities would look into claims raised in the article.
“Great to hear that USADA is investigating some of SI’s claims. I look forward to being vindicated,” Armstrong posted.
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