BEIJING, Feb. 17 -- Francisco Mancebo took the Tour of California lead on Sunday with victory in the first stage on a rain-soaked day when Lance Armstrong had his time-trial bike stolen. The 37-year-old Armstrong, who is competing in North America for the first time since his return from retirement, finished the 173.2-kilometer stage from Davis to Santa Rosa in a chasing group about two minutes off the pace.

His time-trial bike, valued at more than 10,000 U.S. dollars, was taken from a team truck in Sacramento where Armstrong had used it in Saturday's prologue. Road bikes belonging to three of his Astana teammates were also stolen.

Despite the loss, Armstrong said he thought he would be able to catch up with the leaders later in the nine-day tour.

"It was a tough day and we had to chase earlier than we planned but I'm confident I can take time back in the time trial," said the seven-time Tour de France winner, who trails Spain's Mancebo by one minute and five seconds.

With his win, Mancebo, of Rock Racing, moved from 40th position into a 1:02 lead over defending champion and Armstrong's teammate Levi Leipheimer with American compatriot David Zabriskie of Garmin-Slipstream third overall, trailing by 1:03.

Mancebo went to the front early and rode alone for much of the day before finishing in a time of 4:11.07.

Quickstep's Jurgen Van de Walle of Belgium was second, with Italian Vincenzo Nibali of Liquigas third.

【体坛英语资讯：Armstrongs bike stolen, Mancebo takes stage】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hosts China struggle into quarter-finals

★ 体坛英语资讯：Italy join Netherlands in last eight after beating France 2-0

★ 体坛英语资讯：Sharapova out, Federer hot at French Open

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears not to be charged for hit-run accident

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan checks back in rehab, report

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Nicole Richie enters anti-drinking program

★ 体坛英语资讯：James throws up more bricks, Celtics win 89-73

★ 体坛英语资讯：NBA star Yao marries long-term girlfriend Ye Li

★ 体坛英语资讯：Maradona wants to coach Argentine Olympic team

★ 体坛英语资讯：Guga says goodbye to tennis world