Armstrong the centre of attention at Tour of Ireland

ONLY A fool, or the most hardcore eco-warrior, would normally attempt to negotiate Waterford’s notorious Friday traffic on a bicycle.

But yesterday afternoon, Lance Armstrong, the “legendary” American cyclist and seven-times-consecutive winner of the Tour de France, whizzed across Rice Bridge towards the city centre on the first stage of the Tour of Ireland.

Although the French find it enthralling, the appeal of cycling for spectators is inexplicable and almost as excruciatingly boring as Formula 1. Bystanders wait for hours and see only the briefest, furious flurry of spokes and a jumble of multi-coloured Lycra as le peloton flashes past.

Waterford seemed rather underwhelmed by the event. A cautious Garda, from Cork, said “we don’t provide estimates of crowds” but agreed that “about 2,000 people” had lined the quays.

A number of people said they had come to see Armstrong, who famously recovered from cancer and astonished the sporting world by going on to win the gruelling 3,500km Tour de France every year from 1999 to 2005 – a record in the event’s 106-year history.

In the VIP area, well-padded fat cats who looked like they hadn’t been on a bike in decades, feasted on canapes and petits-fours. Waterford hurler Ken McGrath leant against a crash barrier outside, waiting for a glimpse of “Lance” whom he described as “brilliant and an inspiration for sporting people”.

Alice Reynolds, on holidays in the city from Ahane in Co Limerick was surprised by what she called “the very poor turnout” as was Timothy Betts, a Californian sports journalist.

Organisers claim that some 400 million people around the world will see at least some TV images of the race which Fáilte spokesman Gary Breen said is “an ideal way to promote Ireland”.

The race continues today with a 196km (122 miles) stage from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, to Killarney, Co Kerry. The final stage on Sunday, over 185km, is from Bantry to Cork city for an anticipated dramatic finale involving a climb of St Patrick’s Hill before reaching the finishing line on MacCurtain Street.

“It’s steep. It’s completely straight and steep,” Armstrong said yesterday as he contemplated the run-in. “Sunday is a tough day, but every day is narrow roads and hills here and there.”

The Texan – who last rode in the competition in 1992 – will stay in Dublin after the race to attend a three-day global cancer summit organised by his Livestrong Foundation. Speaking on the way to the start-line, he said: “We’ve had a lot of great help and support from the people of Dublin and the people of Ireland.”