Armstrong makes low key return to France for charity

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong made a muted return to the Tour de France course on Thursday when the American cancer survivor set off on a charity ride that follows the route of this year's race.

Dozens of journalists were in attendance at a supermarket car park in southern France ahead of the 43-year-old's ride to Rodez, but no fans were there to greet the Texan.

Armstrong, who was stripped of the seven Tour titles he won from 1999-2005 after admitting to doping following years of denials, is taking part in Geoff Thomas's 'One Day Ahead' charity event.