CYCLING : Armstrong Scores Major Upset on Roads

OSLO —  Lance Armstrong, a tough-talking Texan from Plano, Sunday gave the United States its biggest victory in cycling since Greg LeMond won the 1990 Tour de France.

Armstrong, a first-year professional, regrouped despite two crashes, then surged ahead on the final lap to win the men’s 160-mile professional road race in the World Cycling Championships.

In a grueling race held in rainy and cold conditions that made the course slippery, Armstrong, 21, was timed in 6 hours 17 minutes 10 seconds. Miguel Indurain of Spain, winner of the Tour de France and Tour of Italy, edged Olaf Ludwig of Germany for second place. Both riders finished 19 seconds back.

Armstrong, a former triathlete who is not afraid to speak his mind, said he tried to be patient and control himself for the final lap.

“The wet road was difficult,” he said. “There were guys crashing all around me. Of course, I didn’t want to get a gap and crash on the last lap . . . but it seemed that every time you were careful you fell over.”

Armstrong was in fourth place when the final lap began. He made his winning move on the last big climb, quickly building an 18-second lead.

“I just went all out on the climb,” he said. “I realized I had it won with about three kilometers (about two miles) to go. I looked back and I didn’t see anybody. At that point I didn’t believe it. I still don’t believe it!”

Armstrong became only the second American to win the men’s pro road race, the featured event of the two-week championships. LeMond won the first of his two titles in 1983.