Boise cyclist Kristin Armstrong wins Tour of the Gila time trial

Kristin Armstrong, the two-time defending Olympic champion who came out of retirement hoping for a shot at a third gold medal, won the time trial at the Tour of the Gila stage race Friday. She completed the windy 16.15-mile course in 39 minutes, 6 seconds and is second overall going into final stages Saturday and Sunday.

“Today, like in any time trial in an Olympic year, is very important. There was some great competition here. ... That’s a big win for me,’’ the defending national champion told CyclingNews.com.

Armstrong turns 43 in August, when Brazil hosts the Summer Olympics. Armstrong, who won the Olympic time trial at the Beijing Games (2008) and in London (2012), hasn’t officially qualified for the Rio Games.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 11:40 PM with the headline "Boise cyclist Kristin Armstrong wins Tour of the Gila time trial."