Armstrong back in trainingFormer cycling world champion Lance Armstrong, who has been fighting cancer for several months, resumed training on Friday with the new Cofidis team.The American, who announced at the end of last season he had cancer of the abdomen and testicles which may force him to give up cycling, braved cold weather in the north of France to ride with teammates from his new stable. ``I feel much better,'' said the Texan, who became world champion in 1993 aged 21. ``The chemotherapy has been hard at times but my doctors say everything's doing alright. My blood tests are good.'' But Armstrong said it would be some time before he could return to competitive cycling. ``I will not enter a race before I feel I have fully recovered,'' he said. Cofidis team boss Cyrille Guimard said he was suprised by the American's appearance with the team. ``We were not expecting it. We knew he was working hard on his physical condition but we did not think he would be here with us today. We all hope (the cancer) will soon belong to the past.'' COFIDIS 97 (New Team)Manager and Directeur Sportif: Cyril Guimard Deputy directeur sportif: Bernard Quilfen, Alain Deloeuil Trainer : Francis Van Lodersele Administrative and Communication Manager: Alain Bondue Physicians: Michel Provot and Francis Magniez Name First Name Age Country Points UCI Ranking --------------------------------------------------------------------- Andreu Franky 30 USA 152.00 213 Armstrong Lance 25 USA 1'315.00 9 Capelle Christophe 28 France 146.00 220 Desbiens Laurent 27 France 308.00 106 Fondriest Maurizio 31 Italy 601.00 50 Gaumont Philippe 23 France 399.00 74 Goubert Stephane 26 France 91.00 343 Jalabert Nicolas 23 France 190.00 173 Julich Bobby 24 USA 192.00 171 Livingston Kevin 23 USA 122.00 267 Martin Yvan 23 France 0.00 - Millar David 19 GBR 0.00 - Moncoutie David 21 France 30.00 715 Moreau Francis 31 France 270.00 126 Plaza David 26 France 103.00 307 Rinero Christophe 22 France 146.00 220 Rominger Toni 36 Switzerland 1'342.00 8 Saugrain Cyril 23 France 77.00 395 Thibout Bruno 27 France 50.00 529 Tournant Arnaud 18 France 0.00 - Van de Laer Jim 29 Bel 5.00 - Arrivals: Armstrong, Andrieu, Julich, Livingstone, Thibout (Ex-Motorola) Desbiens, Gaumont, Moreau(Ex-Gan) Capelle, Saugrain (Ex-Aubervilliers) Goubert, Martin, Plaza (Ex-Festina) Jalabert, Rinero (Ex-Mutuelle) Rominger (Mapei) Fondriest (Roslotto) Van de Laer (Ex-TVM) Millar (New Professional, Ex-VC St.Qentin) Moncoutie (New Professional, Ex-EVB Bretenoux) Tournant (Ex-VC Roubaix), Only Track Equipment: Bikes - Fondriest Tubes - Dedaccial Accessories - Campagnolo Rims - Gipiemme Stem - ITM Spokes - Union Tyres - Michelin Saddles - San Marco Pedals - Time Bottle cage - Elite Clothing - Giordana Partner - Cars Peugeot |