Tour de France: Yello jersey is tough, admits Armstrong

Lance Armstrong admits the yellow jersey is within reach, but insisted an eighth Tour de France win will not be easy.

For the second day running, Armstrong stamped his mark on the race by helping Astana to victory in yesterday's fourth stage team time trial which dropped several of his yellow jersey rivals down the general classification.

Astana's 18-second margin of victory here leaves Armstrong in second place overall and just two tenths of a second behind leader Fabian Cancellara after just missing out on taking the yellow jersey from the Swiss rider.

"This is a long race and maybe there is one in my future," said Armstrong.

"But 12 months ago, I expected a yellow jersey and this is a confession I expected it to be easier. But six months ago, I was left thinking 'this is harder than I thought'. I was disrespectful to guys like (2008 Tour winner) Carlos Sastre and those who were impressive in last year's Tour and that was not correct.

"This is not easy and it will not be easy to win, if I am lucky enough to win again.

"Today, I'm realistic. I have both feet on the ground, it's not going to be easy."