Lance Armstrong helps people remember Bill Ritter's still governor at bike race announcement

Lance Armstrong and Bill Ritter.

There's nothing lamer than a lame duck -- which explains why Governor Bill Ritter tends to get so little attention these days. Today, though, he reminded folks he still exists by hanging with bicycling icon Lance Armstrong during the announcement of the Quiznos Pro Challenge, a new bike race that'll debut next year. Click here to check out Ritter's remarks (no mention of Floyd Landis's blood-doping accusations, much to Armstrong's presumed relief) and look below for more details and a couple of sorta awkward photos from the event.

Governor's office press release:

GOV. RITTER HAILS NEW COLORADO PRO-CYCLING EVENT

Gov. Ritter joined seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong, USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson and executives from Quiznos to announce a new pro-cycling race in Colorado. The Quiznos Pro Challenge will take place in August 2011 in cities and towns across the state.

"This is a great victory for Colorado," Gov. Ritter said. "The Quiznos Pro Challenge promises to be a major pro-cycling event, bringing significant economic benefit and attention to our state. I want to thank my partners, Quiznos and Lance Armstrong for all of their hard work to turn this dream into a reality."

Thousands of cycling enthusiasts attended a press conference this morning on the West Steps of the Capitol for the announcement. Afterwards, Gov. Ritter, Armstrong and Johnson led the crowd on a ride from the Capitol to Washington Park and back.

The last major pro-cycling race in Colorado was the Coors International Bicycle Classic, which operated from 1979 to 1988 and was one of the most prominent pro-cycling events in North America.

Quiznos is a Denver-based company that operates nearly 4,000 restaurants across the nation, offering premium sandwiches, soups and salads.

More information about the Quiznos Pro Challenge is available in the Quiznos press release.