LANCE ARMSTRONG admitted he was nervous about getting back in the saddle after making his Tour de France comeback in the opening time trial in Monaco.

The seven-time champion is back in Le Tour after four years away and made an encouraging start in Monaco yesterday.

Going off 18th in an opening stage many believe will be an indicator of who wins the race, the American clocked 20 mins, 12 secs for the 15.5km course to briefly top the standings.

And afterwards the 37-year-old admitted he had been apprehensive about his return.

“We will see where the other ones are but I did not have big illusions,” Armstrong said after his first Tour de France stage since his record seventh title in 2005.

“I was a bit nervous but it is logical. I'm just happy to be here even if we don't win today because there are a lot of other things I could be doing right now.

"It is a difficult course for sure but I think it is difficult for everybody. It is very technical, it is hard to find a rhythm but that's logical after years away.
“(But) what a beautiful race. It was fun. I felt pretty good, overall, I feel good. I was a little bit all over the place.”

After a 20-minute warm-up Armstrong, made his much-awaited return in a cautious start, but he progressively found his rhythm.

He struggled a bit in the descent of the Cote de Beausoleil at some 90 kph, but crossed the finish line in a time that briefly led the way.