Armstrong plans assignment protest

By Mike Prater

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece - Cyclist Kristin Armstrong had a bad day at the Summer Olympics on Thursday.

The cyclist received news that she won't race in Wednesday's time trial - the event that gives her the best chance to medal, she believes.

She started crying after learning the spot went to Iowa racer Christine Thorburn; she launched an appeal process by contacting a California attorney and she went for a bike ride through the streets of Athens without her teammates.

Then she showed up an afternoon news conference, and her name was misspelled on a placard - Kristen, not Kristin. When the time trial subject came up later in the news conference, Armstrong again started crying.

``I've had better days,'' she said.

Armstrong will make her Olympic debut in Sunday's road race, but the distraction of a potential arbitration case has suddenly become a big part of her first Olympic experience.

``I think it's very unfair, especially to announce this two days before the (road) race. I think they should have done it two months ago,'' she said. ``They have to give you your rights. They have to review the case. I just want a fair trial, I want a fair case.''

Thorburn, a graduate of Stanford Medical School, said an appeal would distract a U.S. team that also includes former Idaho Women's Challenge champion Dede (Demet) Barry.

``It would be a distraction, but that's up to her, her right to consider,'' Thorburn said. ``I'm very happy to be given the opportunity, but I've become friends with Kristin and I think I know how she's feeling. ... The selection process was a little bit ambiguous.''

U.S. coach Jim Miller, who pushed to put Armstrong in the time trial, is worried about Sunday's road race. American women have not won a medal in an Olympic road race in 20 years.

``We're going to have to come together as a team again. ... We have two days to overcome this hurdle, flat out. If we don't, our chances aren't great,'' said Miller, who broke the news to Armstrong inside the Athletes Village.