Cycling legend Lance Armstrong finishes second at Panama 70.3 triathlon
STUNNER: Tour de France legend Lance Armstrong finished an incredible second in the Ironman Panama 70.3 triathlon in Panama City. Source: AP
FAMILIAR TERRITORY: Lance Armstrong was in his comfort zone on the bike, but more than held his own in the swim and run legs. Source: AP
TOUR de France legend Lance Armstrong has made an extraordinary return to a sport he did as a teenager, finishing second to New Zealand’s Olympic gold medallist Bevan Docherty in the Panama 70.3 triathlon.
Cancer survivor Armstrong, who retired from professional cycling last year, was in the news last week when Federal prosecutors in the US closed an investigation of him following allegations of drug use made by his old teammate, drug cheat Floyd Landis.
This morning he was capturing headlines again after an astonishing second place in the 1.9 km swim, 90km cycle, 21.1km run triathlon in Panama City.
“It’s great to be back,” said a sunburnt Armstrong after his second place.
Armstrong was run down by Docherty (3hr 50min 13sec) in the final leg of the race, finishing in 3hr 50min 55sec and ahead of Australian athlete Richie Cunningham (3hr 52min 59sec).
The American said he had recorded all his data from the race and would look over it in a bid to improve his performance in his return to triathlon after more than two decades.
A talented triathlete as a teenager before shifting his focus to cycling, Armstrong’s grand plan is to contest the Hawaii ironman triathlon – rated one of the toughest endurance races in the world.
His result in Panama this morning shows he may not just be there for the challenge but as a contender for the podium.
The seven-time Tour de France winner will contest Ironman France (double the distance of the 70.3) in June in an attempt to qualify for this year’s Hawaii ironman on October 13.