24 Feb 2009

Armstrong happy with his Tour of California ride

6:03 am on 24 February 2009

The cycling legend Lance Armstrong says he had a good time at the Tour of California which finished yesterday and is happy with his performance during the race which was won by fellow American Levi Leipheimer.

Armstrong finished seventh overall, one minute and 46 seconds behind his Astana team-mate Leipheimer.

The seven-time Tour de France winner says nobody came in here with any other expectation than riding for Levi.

Armstrong made his competitive comeback at last month's Tour Down Under after three years in retirement and admitted he has some work to do on his conditioning.

He says to win the Tour de France you have to be as strong as possible and as light as possible.

Armstrong says he doesn't need to get that much stronger but he does have to get lighter.