Astana boss hopes

Seven-times Tour winner Armstrong, back from a three-year retirement, has been looking in good shape at the Tour Down Under, and is targeting an eighth victory on the French roads in July.

He will face fierce competition from team mate Contador, one of only five men to have won the three big tours (France, Italy and Spain).

In 1986, team mates Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond, under the guidance of Paul Koechli, fought for the yellow jersey throughout the Tour, with the American prevailing after a three-week battle.

"I hope it's not going to be as tough," Bruyneel said.

"I don't know how Lance will be in July, he may only be the fourth rider of the team."

Bruyneel, the man behind Armstrong's Tour wins who also groomed Contador to success, said the competition between the American and the Spaniard would not be his main concern when the Tour starts on July 4 in Monaco.

"The main thing will not be to decide between Lance and Alberto but to beat other riders and other teams," he said.

"It's a rich man's problem. I am well aware that we will have the strongest team when the race starts in Monaco."

Speaking after the fourth stage of the Tour Down Under, Bruyneel said he was amazed by Armstrong's state of mind in Australia.

"He is not here to win but has already reached a good level. He is the same warrior he used to be but he is more relaxed, more easy going," he said.

"He talks everyday with reporters after the stages although nobody forced him to. He is open."

However former rider Bruyneel admitted that there would be little room for the American to improve at the age of 37.

"If Lance gets back to his former level, how does it compare to the new generation ?," the Belgian said.

"I don't have the answer. Both riders (Armstrong and Contador) did things nobody did before them but Lance has no improvement margin while Alberto still can do better, especially as far as endurance is concerned."

Bruyneel was not sure who would assist Armstrong when the Texan rides in the Giro d'Italia for the first time, although he hinted compatriot Levi Leipheimer could be his lieutenant.

"Andreas Kloden will ride the Tour and the Vuelta, Alberto Contador will be on the Dauphine Libere and the Tour, maybe he will ride the Vuelta. Levi Leipheimer's programme has not been finalised yet.

"Despite some reports that Lance will not ride the Dauphine Libere," he added.