VITTEL, France — Lance Armstrong is ready to climb again, ready to leave the pack at the Tour de France after days of flat riding that belonged to sprinters.
After three days of sitting back in the main pack while others challenged for stage victories, the worst thing to happen to Armstrong was a small puncture to his back tire during Thursday’s 12th stage.
Nicki Sorensen of Denmark won it, Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy kept the yellow jersey, and Armstrong’s tire was repaired within a flash.
Today it’s back to serious business as Armstrong goes up against his Astana teammate Alberto Contador on a tricky trek that features one grueling mountain climb.
“(Today) is hard, that is a real stage,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong, who retired after his seventh straight Tour win in 2005 only to stun the cycling world by announcing he would race again this year, expects some of the Tour contenders to make their move today.
“You have to watch all the rivals, even someone like (Denis) Menchov,” Armstrong said of the Giro d’Italia winner. “Some might say he is five or six minutes behind and his race is finished, but if he gains back time, he has the Alps, and then if he is close enough on the (Mont) Ventoux, he could present a problem.”
Armstrong briefly looked to be in trouble after about 37 miles Thursday, when he had to pull over to let his Astana team repair a puncture in his back wheel. But after a few moments, four of Armstrong’s teammates helped him catch up with the main pack again.
Although Nocentini will keep the yellow jersey heading into the 13th stage, he is not considered a threat for overall victory — and seemed to be saying he’s done the best he can.
“It’s a tough stage (today) but I’m already really happy,” said Nocentini, who leads Contador by only six seconds and Armstrong by eight.
At a glance
A look at Thursday’s 12th stage of the Tour de France:
Stage: A 131.4-mile ride from Tonnerre to Vittel featuring six minor climbs.
Winner: Nicki Sorensen of Denmark Yellow jersey: Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy
How Garmin-Slipstream fared: Bradley Wiggins finished 17th and is in fifth place overall.
Next stage: Today’s 13th stage is a 124.2-mile ride between Vittel and Colmar that features two difficult climbs.
