A big pitch for Landis, from Armstrong

Lance Armstrong says it’s crucial that Floyd Landis win the Tour de France if the development of cycling in the United States is to continue.

Lance Armstrong says it’s crucial that Floyd Landis win the Tour de France if the development of cycling in the United States is to continue. “It’s great for American cycling, and I’d love to see the jersey stay in the States,” said Armstrong, who retired last summer after the last of his record seven Tour wins.

The Texan’s success boosted the popularity of the sport hugely in America, but there were fears that people back home would lose interest once he was gone.

Armstrong says a win for Landis, who is 30 years old, can help maintain the sport’s high profile until a new American hope arrives – particularly as Landis’ injured hip could force him out of the sport. “It’s very important, there’s a couple of ways you can figure that out,” Armstrong said. “You can look at the TV ratings. You can look at the industry, you can look at youth participation, which is essentially the most important.”

Ahead of the 16th stage, the second of three tough Alpine climbs, Landis held the overall leader’s yellow jersey by 10 seconds over Oscar Pereiro of Spain.