The story

The most-eagerly anticipated Tour de France in recent history begins with a testing individual time-trial in Monaco on July 4 and fittingly, on U.S. Independence Day, an American will take center stage in cycling's greatest race.

Lance Armstrong's return to the race for the first time since winning the last of his seven Tour titles has dominated the build-up to the race -- and all eyes will be on the Texan over the next three weeks to see if he can add another chapter to his remarkable life story, both on and off the bike.

Armstrong is not favorite to be wearing the yellow jersey in Paris, that honor belongs to his Astana team-mate and 2007 champion Alberto Contador, but the American's competitive edge will and supreme ability will ensure he will make his presence felt in the peloton. Read full article »

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