Armstrong’s team stopped at start of last Tour de France stage over improper jersey

‘Shirtgate’ mars start to last Tour stage

PARIS — The final stage of the Tour de France has gotten under way after a delay caused when Lance Armstrong’s Radioshack team was forced to change out of unofficial jerseys honoring cancer patients.

The start of Sunday’s stage was held up for about 15 minutes while Armstrong and his teammates took off the black jerseys with the number “28″ on the back. The figure was selected to honor the 28 million people fighting cancer, the focus of the Texan’s Livestrong Foundation.

The International Cycling Union said the RadioShack riders had to wear the official race numbers.

The rest of the pack pedaled slowly as race officials delayed the start.

The 63.6-mile run from Longjumeau to Paris is expected to be largely ceremonial — with Alberto Contador set to win his third Tour.