Armstrong takes part in bike race amid controversy

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) -- For a few hours, Lance Armstrong was back in his element -- on a bike and in a race.

No controversies, little fanfare.

The escape Saturday into the mountains around Aspen, Colo., comes a day after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency disciplined Armstrong with a lifetime ban from professional cycling and vacated his seven Tour de France titles after deciding he used performance-enhancing drugs.

There were only a handful of fans at the start of the Power of Four mountain bike competition, a 36-mile trek that includes plenty of climbing.

Asked if he was ready, Armstrong said, "I hope so."

Armstrong's busy weekend includes a marathon Sunday. He may be banned from cycling, but it hasn't diminished his passion for competition.

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