SILVER CITY, N.M. — Lance Armstrong says his collarbone feels good and he's excited to be racing again.

Armstrong spoke briefly with reporters before Wednesday's first stage of the five-day Tour of the Gila in southwestern New Mexico — his first competition since he broke a collarbone racing in Spain last month.

Armstrong is riding with his Astana teammates, Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner. They are riding as independents, wearing jerseys representing Armstrong's Mellow Johnny's bike shop in Austin, Texas.

Armstrong plans to use the Gila to prepare for the Giro d'Italia, which begins May 9.

The first stage of the Gila is a 94-mile ride from Silver City to Mogollon that includes a steep climb at the finish.

Armstrong says there's no discomfort from his collarbone even on rough roads. He said he expects a natural sense of nervousness and will try to protect the injury, but added, "There's so much hardware in there, it's not going to move."