Armstrong ousted in Algarve

Armstrong struggled to keep up with Landis on Sunday

Five-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong had to make do with fifth place in his season-opening Tour of the Algarve on Sunday.

Armstrong had gone into the fifth and final stage as the overall leader.

But he could only finish 34th, a full minute behind team-mate Floyd Landis, who went on to take overall victory in Portugal as a result.

Armstrong had looked in good form throughout the event, shining in the time trial the previous day.

Landis afterwards revealed Armstrong, his team leader, had given him the all-clear to go for victory.

"We have a strong team," said Landis. "Lance is generous, so he said I could go for the win if I was feeling well. Everybody worked together.

"It's good for the team to start the year with a win, so everybody's happy."