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RSSArmstrong mobbed as Tour of Ireland starts
Cycling star Lance Armstrong returned to the Tour of Ireland today for the first time in 17 years, mobbed by fans.
Hundreds flocked to the race opener at the foot of the Wicklow mountains swamping the Texan for autographs and briefly holding up the start.
The seven-time Tour de France winner is competing for the last time with the Astana team and ends his season when the three-day 576km race finishes in Cork.
Armstrong, who last rode in the competition back in 1992, was quick to declare his priorities as he prepares for his cancer foundation’s Livestrong summit in Dublin.
“That’s the most important thing,” he said as he eased his way to the start line.
Astana team boss Johann Bruyneel has suggested the tour was not a hard race, with the biggest risks bad weather and the steep St Patrick’s hill finish in Cork on Sunday.
“It’s steep. It’s completely straight and steep,” Armstrong said. “Sunday is a tough day, but every day is narrow roads and hills here and there.”
Armstrong will not have much time for rest and relaxation after this weekend’s challenging 576km race, with the cancer summit to open in Dublin on Monday.
“We get to race for a few days and then sit down and talk about the global burden,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of great help and support from the people of Dublin and the people of Ireland,” the cycling legend said.
Armstrong has not raced on the road since finishing third in the Tour de France behind teammate and rival Alberto Contador.
Among the hordes of fans was amateur Dublin cyclist Joanna Hickey who come to cheer on her friends in the Irish national team – and catch a glimpse of Armstrong.
“He parked his bike up right behind me and before I knew it a swarm of people came on top of me. The crowd around him was something else,” she said. “He’s like a rock star. I don’t think Mick Jagger would get the same reception.”
Ms Hickey, from Rathfarnham, Dublin, an amateur cyclist with Irish Road Club, added: “This is brilliant – it’s promoting the sport and helping getting kids on their bikes.”
David Stewart from Derry had come with friends in T-shirts bearing the slogan ’Vive le Lance’.
“It’s amazing, he’s some athlete. He’s survived cancer and done so much for cycling – for him to come to Ireland is a great privilege,” he said.
“I think there’s always a frenzy where Lance is. He is the man and everybody’s here to see him. I don’t think he’s got a chance [of winning]. There’s guys here just to win the race.”
Catherine Kelly from Limerick, living in Dublin, said: “It’s a wonderful day, not to be missed. It’s a very positive experience for Ireland.
“We talked to some of the Australian team beforehand and they were in fine fettle, hoping it doesn’t rain.”
“It’s always wonderful to see anyone who’s at the top of their sport. He seemed to be a very affable, friendly type.
“In any race you just go out and do your best. It’s good to have someone from the top of the profession in it but that doesn’t take away from everyone going out and doing their best – that’s what it’s all about in sport.”
