Armstrong race prospects a mystery: team manager

By Julien Pretot

MONACO (Reuters) - There are still doubts as to how Lance Armstrong will perform on the Tour de France, Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel said on Friday.

Bruyneel, the man behind the American's seven Tour titles from 1999 to 2005, said Armstrong's program was so different to the one he followed in his prime that it was almost impossible to tell what would happen when the race starts on Saturday.

"We are a bit struggling for reference marks. We have had a different program either of necessity or because of (Lance's) choice to favor his personal life," Bruyneel told a news conference.

"We are a bit lost and I really do not know what to expect."

Armstrong, who returned to racing in January after 3 1/2 years in retirement, used to focus only on the Tour but took part in the Giro for the first time this year. However, his preparation for the Italian race was hampered after breaking his collarbone in a crash in March.

The 37-year-old Texan also wished to be closer to his family, with his partner last month giving birth to a son, Maxwell -- Armstrong's fourth child.

For a change, Armstrong will not have a whole team dedicated to him, as Spaniard Alberto Contador, the race's hot favorite, has been named Astana's leader on the Tour.

Fans, critics and pundits should however have a first indication of Armstrong's form when he starts his French campaign at 10:17 a.m. EDT (1417 GMT) in Saturday's 15.5-km time trial in the principality of Monaco.

"There will be a good indication tomorrow," said Bruyneel.

"From what we know, I would say that the biggest favorite for the race is Alberto.

"Let's not forget there are other riders in other teams but also in our team," he added, referring to Astana's Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Kloeden, who have finished previous Tours on the podium.

(Editing by Alison Wildey)