Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong won the Tour of Gruene time-trial timing in 33 minutes and 14 seconds over the 26.6 kilometre route.

The 37-year-old – who sensationally announced earlier this year that he was
returning to the saddle next season – was competing in the 35-39 age category and beat his nearest rival’s best time by nearly three minutes and was 1 min 43 seconds clear of the runner-up in all age categories.

Armstrong, who has been signed by the elite Astana team, has said he will compete in the Tour of Italy, but is yet to confirm whether he will race in the Tour de France.