Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong finished in 10th place in the opening time trial in his return to the Tour De France.
Saxo Bank’s Fabian Cancellara took the win as he completed the 15.5 kilometre course in Monaco in a time of 19 minutes and 32 seconds, with Alberto Contador in second and Britain’s Bradley Wiggins in third.
All eyes though were on a true legend of the event in Armstrong to see if he could compete with the best. He did okay in his first race back as he finished 40 seconds behind Cancellara.
"I did not have big illusions", said Armstrong. "I was a bit nervous but it is logical. I’m just happy to be here even if we don’t win because there are a lot of other things I could be doing right now.
"It is a difficult course for sure but I think it is difficult for everybody. It is very technical, it is hard to find a rhythm but that’s logical after years away.
"What a beautiful race. It was fun. I felt pretty good, overall, I feel good. I was a little bit all over the place."
Defending champion Carlos Sastre had a difficult day as he finished in 21st place – over a minute behind Cancellara, while last year’s runner-up Cadel Evans ended the day in fifth place. 
Sat, Jul 4, 2009
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