L'ALPE D'HUEZ, France (AP) _ Lance Armstrong says it's crucial that Floyd Landis win the Tour de France if the development of cycling in the United States is to continue.

``It's great for American cycling, and I'd love to see the jersey stay in the States,'' said Armstrong, who retired last summer after the last of his record seven Tour wins.

The Texan's success boosted the popularity of the sport in America, but there were fears that people back home would lose interest once he was gone.

Armstrong says a win for the 30-year-old Landis can help maintain the sport's high profile until a new American hope arrives _ particularly as Landis' injured hip could force him out of the sport.

``It's very important, there's a couple of ways you can figure that out,'' Armstrong said. ``You can look at the TV ratings. You can look at the industry, you can look at youth participation, which is essentially the most important.''

Ahead of Wednesday's 16th stage _ the second of three tough alpine climbs _ Landis held the overall leader's yellow jersey by 10 seconds over Oscar Pereiro of Spain. Other rivals, such as Andreas Kloeden of Germany, Carlos Sastre of Spain and Russia's Denis Menchov were over two minutes back.

With a time trial looming Saturday _ a favoured discipline for Landis _ he is set to become only the third American to win the Tour, after Armstrong and Greg Lemond.

``Americans and American sports fans need their guys to be successful, people they can understand and relate to,'' Armstrong said Tuesday, addressing a small group of reporters in the alpine mountain resort of L'Alpe d'Huez. ``I think for the success of cycling in the States it's very important.''

Landis and Armstrong both admit they were never the best of friends when together on the U.S. Postal team for three years between 2001 and 2004.

On last year's Tour, tensions mounted and they had a heated argument during a stage race. Armstrong says the relationship has since thawed.

``Just for the record, I know Floyd and I have gone through this whole cycle of `on the team, off the team,' a little friction here and there,'' Armstrong said. ``I don't think it was ever as bad as some people thought.''

He said he considers Landis to be ``hardheaded.''

``I mean that in a good way,'' said Armstrong. ``He's really tough.''