Lance Armstrong finishes 2nd in Panama Ironman

American cyclist Lance Armstrong finished second in the Panama Ironman event at Wellington behind local New Zealander Bevan Docherty on Sunday.

Armstrong had earlier announced retirement from professional cycling in Febrary 2011 after being investigated for doping allegations.

Armstrong, who is a cancer survivor, had made a rather spectacular comeback in 2009 when he returned to professional cycling.

New Zealander Bevan Docherty who beat Armstrong by 31 seconds said he was snubbed by Lance Armstrong after winning the Panama half ironman on Sunday and knocking the seven-time Tour de France winner into second place in his first professional triathlon.

Docherty said "I'm not sure what it was all about, I can only assume he was just disappointed to get beaten."

(With AP inputs)