
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 1, 1995                   TAG: 9507030146
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: SAINT-BRIEUC, FRANCE                                 LENGTH: Short

ARMSTRONG HOPES TO FINISH TOUR DE FRANCE

In his third Tour de France, Lance Armstrong wants to go where he never has been - to the finish line.

After two pre-planned desertions to protect his young body, the defending Tour DuPont champion is convinced he has come of cycling age at 23 and hopes his simple wish - ``to finish'' - will be fulfilled when the Tour de France ends at Paris on July 23.

``I wouldn't mind being close to the top 10 in the final standings,'' he said.

Still, it is somewhat less than the great expectations vested in him when he became 1993 world champion to cap a sterling rookie season. After all, the United States was looking for someone to replace three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond.

After a lackluster 1994 season, Armstrong started well this year, winning the Tour DuPont, the biggest U.S. race. But the three-week Tour de France is something different.

``I'm still not comfortable enough with this race,'' he said Friday, one day before the prologue. ``I'm motivated. I'll do my best.''

by CNB