The 2009 Tour de France opened today, with a time trial in Monaco. And yes, Lance Armstrong was there, riding with the Astana team — he came in tenth, 40 seconds behind winner Fabian Cancellara.

The BBC has a blow by blow account of today’s race here, and a story with some quotes from Lance here.

“I did not have big illusions”, said the 37-year-old Armstrong.

“I was a bit nervous but it is logical,” added Armstrong, who last rode in the Tour in 2005 when he claimed his seventh victory.

“I’m just happy to be here even if we don’t win because there are a lot of other things I could be doing right now. It is a difficult course for sure but I think it is difficult for everybody. It is very technical, it is hard to find a rhythm but that’s logical after years away.

“What a beautiful race. It was fun. I felt pretty good, overall, I feel good. I was a little bit all over the place.”

And by the way, here’s Lance Armstrong on Twitter.