I found this interesting as well:
With no UCI points, Armstrong received no special treatment, positioned in the fifth row as the first starter behind ranked riders. He missed the initial selection of a dozen riders, and finished mid-pack. Asked about his decision to race after flying across the country, Armstrong answered, “I slept on the plane. I wanted to race. I just love racing my bike.”
What I really love is that he is rocking a 53/39. I guess when you're Lance Armstrong you can pull that off.