Lance ready for NYC Marathon

Cycling legend Lance Armstrong is hoping to be competitive when he swaps his bike for trainers at this weekend's New York City Marathon.The 35-year-old Texan has been training for the event since hanging up his saddle after claiming his seventh successive victory in last year's Tour De France.Armstrong said: "I've tried to stay busy, tried to stay fit. I understood I would lose some condition... This was a logical objective that would keep me inspired to get out there and keep moving."He added: "Seven minute miles is roughly a three hour marathon. I think that's a realistic objective and goal. Again I could be completely wrong. It could be even a little bit faster than that. A lot depends on, I suppose, the way I start."Some of the world's top runners will be pounding the streets of New York including last year's winner of the women's race Jelena Prokopcuka.The Latvian long distance queen said: "I am so excited to come back to New York and I feel I am in good shape and I would like to win again."© Independent Television News Limited 2006. All rights reserved.

ITN | November 4, 2006

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