Saarbruecken, Germany ? Lance Armstrong enjoyed a relaxed ride in Monday’s stage of the Tour de France, while some struggled to get to the finish.

Oscar Freire, of spain, gestures as he crosses the finish line ahead of Erik Zabel of Germany, right, and Robbie McEwen of Australia, second from right. Freire won the second stage of the Tour de France cycling race Monday between Luxembourg and Saarbruecken, Germany.

“It was nervous today, but quite easy,” the three-time defending champion said.

Armstrong finished the second stage in 61st place, and slipped to fourth in the overall standings. He isn’t expected to bid for the lead until the race reaches the mountains next week.

Oscar Freire of Spain won the 112.2-mile trek, sprinting over the line just ahead of the main pack that included Armstrong. Swiss rider Rubens Bertogliati retained the leader’s yellow jersey he took from Armstrong on Sunday.

Thousands lined the stage route between Luxembourg and this west German city to cheer him and other riders, particularly Erik Zabel. One woman had “Zabel” written on her belly in the pink colors of his Telekom team.

But Freire, the world road champion, spoiled the party by outflanking the German in the final few yards to win in 4 hours, 19 minutes, 51 seconds. Australia’s Robbie McEwen placed second and Zabel finished third, in the same time as Freire. The main pack also had the same time.