October 11/98 10:39 am - Road World's Men's Road Race

Posted by Editor on 10/11/98
 

Lance Armstrong Comes Close

American Lance Armstrong, in his first year back in the professional ranks after suffering testicular cancer, has made an amazing comeback to the top level of professional cycling, finishing 4th at the Road World Championships in Valkenburg, Holland behind Swiss rider Oskar Camenzind.

It wasn't until the end of the 12th lap (of 15) that the action really began to heat up in the race - run under miserable conditions. Italian Andrea Tafi initiated a move, which was followed by Armstrong, World Cup leader Michele Bartoli, Michael Boogerd and 9 others. This group quickly went clear of the peleton, and then started shedding riders. Camenzind launched an attack that only Armstrong, Boogerd and Niki Aebersold were able to follow initially on lap 13. However, on the 14th lap, Bartoli and Peter van Petegem managed to jump across.

On the last lap, attacks were taking place constantly, with Camenzind clearly showing his strength and dominace. Camenzind made his winning move with about 8 kilometres to go - the others tried to respond, but no one had the strength. Bartoli and van Petegem chased together, with Armstrong leading Boogerd and Aebersold further back. At the line it was Camenzind, clear by 23 seconds on van Petegem and Bartoli, with Armstrong winning the 3-up sprint for 4th.

Note: there were no Canadians in this race.