Lance Armstrong wins first race since being given a lifetime sports ban, completing triathlon invented by Navy Seals in record time

By SUZANNAH HILLS

Riding to glory: Lance Armstrong won his first spor

His sporting career has been mired in controversy and doping allegations over the last few months resulting in all his cycling achievements coming under threat.
But Lance Armstrong - who was banned by U.S. doping authorities in August from all official sporting events and told all his cycling accomplishments would be forfeited - has come riding back by winning his first triathlon since his ban in record time.
Armstrong, 41, completed the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run in the Superfrog Triathlon in just three hours, 49 minutes and 45 seconds.

Retro: Lance Armstrong decided to go old school and wear a speedo while cycling and running, left, but opted for a traditional wetsuit to complete the swimming section of the triathlon, right

The famous cyclist was allowed to enter the tough challenge because it is unsanctioned and not subject to rules under the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Before starting the race, a defiant Armstrong declared: 'I am not banned from life'.
And after smashing the Superfrog record yesterday, he tweeted: 'Had a helluva good time in the @superfrogtri today. Thx to all who came out and like always, a massive thanks to all the volunteers!'

Challenging: The Superfrog Triathlon in Coronado, California, was created by the Navy Seals in 1979

And he also made a joking reference to his tiny shorts worn in the race, tweeting: 'In honor of the sports roots I've decided to rock the speedo, grape smuggler, banana hammock, etc for the whole race. #oldschool'
Leon Griffin from Australia came in second and Tyler Butterfield, from Bermuda, came in third.
The women's Superfrog was won by Beth Gerdes Walsh, from Encinitas, in four hours, 37 minutes and nine seconds.

Back to what he knows best: Lance Armstrong tweeted that he hadn't been 'banned from life'

Armstrong became a heroic figure in the sporting world after coming back from losing one testicle to cancer and going on to win the Tour De France a record-breaking seven times.
All proceeds from the race in Coronado in California go towards the Navy Seal Foundation after members of the Navy Seals designed the tough route in 1979.
The Superfrog website states: 'Superfrog Triathlon is the first and longest running half Ironman.

Record breaker: Lance Armstrong won the Superfrog triathlon in just three hours, 49 minutes and 45 seconds

'The intent was twofold: to prepare SEALs for what was then the brand new Hawaii Ironman Triathlon and to encourage the new sport of triathlon in the Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and SEAL Teams where physical training was multifaceted and the competitive spirit was high.'
'The new goal is to push endurance sporting events to the next level through world class production, the best competition, integration of the latest technology, and a focus on improving the racer and spectator experience.'

source: dailymail