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Armstrong concedes failure in Tour de France

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-12 19:31

RadioShack team rider Lance Armstrong of the US climbs to Morzine-Avoriaz with teammate Janez Brajkovic (R) of Slovenia during the eighth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Station des Rousses and Morzine-Avoriaz July 11, 2010. [Agencies]

PARIS - American Lance Armstrong conceded that his hope of Tour de France victory was dampened after he suffered in three crashes in the Alps during the eighth stage on Sunday.

World champion Cadel Evans of Australia took the yellow jersey at the end of the stage, which was won by Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, with overnight leader Sylvain Chavanel falling behind the top contenders.

The American crossed the finish line nearly 12 minutes behind Schleck during the 189-kilometer run from Station des Rousses to the Morzine-Avoriaz ski resort.

"My Tour is finished," said Armstrong, 38, who holds a record seven Tour victories.

It was a "very, very bad day," said Armstrong in his last try in cycling's showcase event, who dropped to 39th place overall.

On Monday, riders will get the first rest day of the race, which finishes on July 25 in Paris.