Armstrong’s fond farewell foiled in Pau

THE farewell victory Lance Armstrong hoped for failed to materialise yesterday as the seven-time Tour de France winner was beaten to the line in Pau.

The 38-year-old, who is racing in his 13th and final Tour, rolled back the years and was again the main protagonist on a major mountain stage at cycling’s most prestigious race.

However, Armstrong (Team RadioShack) fell short in his bid for a 26th Tour stage victory as Pierrick Fedrigo (Bbox Bougyues Telecom) won a sprint finish between eight breakaway riders to claim victory on the 199.5-kilometre 16th stage from Bagneres-de-Luchon to Pau.