Ben Foster takes the lead in Lance Armstrong movie

LONDON – American actor Ben Foster is cycling into the lead as Lance Armstrong in a new movie about the disgraced American cyclist.

Director Stephen Frears said filming started Wednesday on the untitled project, and Foster is already proving to be a champion in the saddle.

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Frears claims Foster is a “really, really good actor and now he’s a very good cyclist. The cyclists were pleased with him.”

The movie follows the rise of Armstrong, his cancer battle, retirement and exposure by journalist David Walsh.

Irish star Chris O’Dowd plays Walsh, with Guillaume Canet and Jesse Plemons in supporting roles.

Frears says Armstrong is endlessly complex and there could be many more films made about him. He spoke at Wednesday’s London Film Festival gala for his latest movie, “Philomena,” staring Judi Dench.