Armstrong sidelined by illness

Armstrong is trying to get race-fit for the Tour de France

Lance Armstrong has withdrawn from the Circuit de la Sarthe cycling race because of stomach problems.

The four-times Tour de France winner pulled out just after the halfway point of Wednesday's 184-km second stage.

Results:

Armstrong had complained about his stomach after completing the first stage of the French route.

US Postal sporting director Johan Bruyneel said that the American had complained of "a lump in his stomach" and would be returning to his home in Gerona, eastern Spain immediately.

"At this stage of the season he can allow himself to retire. Lance is going to still prepare for the Amstel Gold Race," added Bruyneel.

Ullrich returns to competition

It had been hoped that this week's Circuit de la Sarthe would see the first highly-anticipated encounter between Armstrong and his rival Jan Ullrich this season.

The German is taking part in his first event for 15 months after serving a drugs ban and recovering from injuries.

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Stage results:

1. Massimo Strazzer (ITA) Phonak 4hr 31min 52sec
2. Jimmy Casper (FRA) same time
3. Aurelien Clerc (SWI) s.t.
4. Nicolas Liboreau (FRA) s.t.
5. Allan Davis (AUS) s.t.
6. Angelo Furlan (ITA) s.t.
7. Alexander Kolobnev (RUS) s.t.
8. Michael Rogers (AUS) s.t.
9. Olivier Perraudeau (FRA) s.t.
10. Damien Nazon (FRA) s.t.
11. Carlos Da Cruz (FRA) s.t.
12. Thierry Loder (FRA) s.t.
13. Alexandre Usov (BLR) s.t.
14. Steffen Kjaergaard (NOR) s.t.
15. Andrea Noe (ITA) s.t.
Selected:
23. Richard Virenque (FRA) s.t.
41. Jan Ullrich (Ger) s.t.
Retired: Lance Armstrong (USA)

Overall:
1. Carlos Da Cruz (FRA) Fdjeux.com) 9hr 41min 51sec
2. Alexei Sivakov (RUS) at 2sec
3. Massimo Strazzer (ITA) 5min 52sec
4. Aurelien Clerc (SWI) 6:02
5. Damien Nazon (FRA) 6:03
6. Walter Beneteau (FRA) 6:05
7. Sylvain Chavanel (FRA) s.t
8. Bradley McGee (AUS) 6:06
9. Andrea Noe (ITA) s.t.
10. Michael Rogers (AUS) s.t.
11. Steffen Kjaergaard (NOR) s.t.
12. Jens Voigt (GER) s.t.
13. Laurent Brochard (FRA) s.t.
14. Patrice Halgand (FRA) s.t.
15. Richard Virenque (FRA) s.t.
Selected:
22. Jan Ullrich (GER) s.t