Armstrong races Saturday in Colorado

ASPEN, Colo (AP/KXAN) - For a few hours, Lance Armstrong was back in his element — on a bike and in a race.

No controversies, little fanfare.

The escape Saturday into the mountains around Aspen, Colo., comes a day after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency disciplined Armstrong with a lifetime ban from professional cycling and vacated his seven Tour de France titles after deciding he used performance-enhancing drugs.

There were only a handful of fans at the start of the Power of Four mountain bike competition, a 36-mile trek that includes plenty of climbing.

Asked if he was ready, Armstrong said, "I hope so."

Armstrong owns property in Aspen, as well as Austin and Dripping Springs.

Armstrong's busy weekend includes a marathon Sunday. He may be banned from cycling, but it hasn't diminished his passion for competition.

Armstrong is behind several local Austin races including the Livestrong Austin Marathon in February and the October Ride for the Roses in Dripping Springs.