Armstrong tells rivals there could be more to come

CLOSING in on a record sixth Tour de France crown, Lance Armstrong has warned rivals there could be more to come.

“I first need to finish this Tour before thinking about it,” the American said.

“Not so long ago, I was convinced I would end my career after a sixth victory but now it is tough for me to think I might soon retire.

“It’s difficult for me to think I could not be in a team which is going to last three more seasons with a new sponsor,” he said, referring to U.S. Postal Service being replaced by Discovery Channel as Armstrong’s team sponsors next season.

Armstrong is currently second in the Tour, 22 seconds behind unheralded Frenchman Thomas Voeckler. Although poised to move out in front he said he was still suffering on the bike.

“I must say that in the Tour, experience is essential. I know that some people think I don’t suffer but of course I do,” he said.

“This year less than in 2003 but more than in 2001.”

Armstrong has been attacked in recent books and newspaper articles with allegations of doping but said he had nothing to hide.

“To some extent I understand their point,” he said. As he had battled cancer, Armstrong said there was a presumption that “it’s impossible that he could win the toughest race in the world. “Yet I’m telling you there is no secret.”

“They say I’m the biggest cheater and nobody likes to be treated this way. But I know better and in 10 or 15 years, nobody will remember what was written in that newspaper or in that book that just came out.

“Everybody will remember that I won five or six Tours de France. I’m convinced everybody will know then that I was clean.”

Meanwhile Aitor Gonzalez gave Spain its 100th stage victory in the history of the Tour de France.

Gonzalez, who has now won stages in the three big Tours (France, Italy and Spain), admitted he had been below par in recent seasons.

“I let my team down and it was not satisfactory for my mates or for me either,” the Spaniard explained. “But when you keep working hard, it always ends up paying off.”

Ireland's Mark Scanlon finished in 91st place, 14 minutes and 12 seconds behind the Spanish winner. The Sligo man is now in 98th position overall, one hour 20 minutes and 51 seconds behind the man in the yellow jersey.