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Famed cyclist Lance Armstrong appeared about an hour later than promised Saturday night — leading to grumbling on social media about his punctuality — but he was swarmed by fans when he joined the crowd at the beer tent at about 10 p.m.

“I’m just really glad he’s here. He’s always going to be my hero,” said Krissy Nelson, 29, of Omaha.

Armstrong said this month that he was grateful to RAGBRAI for welcoming him after he was stripped of his seven Tour de France victories for doping and details emerged about his aggressive attempts to discredit or ruin accusers.

“Always happy to be back,” Armstrong said Saturday. He plans to ride RAGBRAI for four days, and his Saturday appearance was intended to raise money for flood recovery in Rock Valley.

“I think it’s awesome that he would come here to support us,” said Abby Deweerd, 34, of Rock Valley.

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64 photos from Rock Valley before the ride

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