Armstrong back in the saddle

Lance Armstrong - back on a bicycle days after dropping his fight against doping charges.

It was his first public appearance since U.S. anti-doping officials stripped his seven Tour de France Titles and banned him from competition cycling for life.

Armstrong maintains that he never cheated and retains support of sponsors.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) LANCE ARMSTRONG SAYING:

"Well I think ah, well I think people understand that we got a lot of stuff to do going forward and that's, like I said the other day, that's what I'm focused on and I think people are supportive of that."

Newspapers in France, though, have seized on the controversy, declaring "Armstrong falls off his pedestal" and "Lance Broken".

Critics including the World Anti-Doping Agency say his failure to contest the charges can only mean he is a drug cheat who has defrauded the cycling tour, rivals and millions of sport fans.

The International Cycling Union has demanded US officials hand over its evidence so the case may yet continue.