07/11/2010| 0 comments
by AP

Lance Armstrong Says Tour de France Victory Hopes Finished

Seven-time Tour de France winner crashed once, got caught up and delayed in two other spills.

STATION DES ROUSSES, FRANCE - JULY 10: Lance Armstrong of the USA and Team Radioshack rides on stage seven of the 2010 Tour de France from Tournus to Station des Rousses on July 10, 2010 in Station des Rousses, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Lance Armstrong (Team RadioShock) says his hopes of an eighth Tour de France victory are "finished" after an eighth stage of the 2010 Tour in which he struggled in a hard climb and was caught up in three crashes.

Armstrong, at age 38, is riding in what he says will be his last try in cycling's showcase event.

The Texan crossed the finish line nearly 12 minutes behind stage winner Andy Schleck of Luxembourg and Team Saxo Bank during the 189-kilometer (117.4-mile) run from Station des Rousses to the Morzine-Avoriaz ski resort.

Lance Armstrong said after the stage Sunday that he had a "very, very bad day" and "my Tour is finished" - but said he will continue the three-week race that ends July 25 in Paris.