The Associated Press

PARIS - Even Lance Armstrong acknowledges that in a race as unpredictable as the Tour de France, anybody can win.

Armstrong is trying to become just the second rider to win five consecutive Tours, and he's expecting this centennial race to be more competitive than in previous years, when he left opponents in his wake.

"I think the race will be more challenging for us," the 31-year-old Texan said. "I think it will be a tighter race. I'm not getting any younger, and therefore probably not getting any stronger.

"Other guys are reaching the pinnacle of their career. I think there are some wild cards that can really change the face of the race."

Armstrong, a cancer survivor who has become an icon, acknowledged that the burden of fame weighs heavier now than it did when he won his first Tour in 1999.

If he wins, Armstrong will join Spanish legend Miguel Indurain as only the second rider to capture five consecutive Tours. Indurain won in 1991-95. Three other racers have won five Tours, but not consecutively.

Armstrong acknowledged that his preparation for the Tour suffered after he crashed in the Dauphine Libere race in June, and that he was surprised by how long it took him to recover.

Armstrong, who went on to win the race, fell during a mountain descent. He was not seriously injured, but finished the stage with torn cycling shorts and a bandage on his right arm.

But Armstrong made it clear Thursday that he is focused on the Tour. The 23-day, 2,125-mile clockwise slog around France begins Saturday.

"I can't think of a better way to spend the month of July," he said. "The race has everything. I think it has difficulty, it has joy, it has excitement, and it even has death."

Armstrong is still considered the one to beat by his competitors.

"He is the master of the arena. For that, we owe him respect," said Giro d'Italia winner Gilberto Simoni.

Australian rider Robbie McEwen said, "Among the riders, nobody sees anybody else who can beat Armstrong at the moment. But anything can happen."

Armstrong agreed.

"When everybody talks about victory and what's going to happen, and what are you going to do, it gives me a mad feeling," he said. "Nothing is given in this sport, and anybody can win."