LIESTAL, Switzerland (AP) — Lance Armstrong’s bid to win the Tour of Switzerland has come up just short, with the Texan finishing second by 12 seconds to Frank Schleck of Luxembourg.
Armstrong was seventh going into Sunday’s stage, but surged into contention by finishing 11th in the 16.6-mile time trial around Liestal won by Tony Martin of Germany in a provisional time of 32 minutes, 21 seconds.
Schleck started the day fourth overall and secured the win by finishing 13th in the time trial, 5 seconds behind Armstrong and 1:14 behind Martin.
Olympic time trial champion Fabian Cancellara was second in the stage, 17 seconds back, while American David Zabriskie clocked the third best time, 29 seconds behind.
This was Armstrong’s final race before the seven-time Tour de France champion begins his bid for an eighth title when cycling’s premier race begins July 3.
