Lance Armstrong lends support for a smoking ban at the State Capitol Thursday.

Lance Armstrong took a detour from cycling to lend some support to lawmakers who want to impose a statewide smoking ban.

He's coming off the heels of the Tour Down Under cycling race in Australia. As he stood outside the Capitol -- surrounded by lawmakers who support a proposal that would ban smoking in all indoor workplaces in Texas, including restaurants and bars -- he said he's proud to do his part in making Texas smoke free.

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"I"m glad to cut a ride short, Armstrong said. "I'm glad to be here with our state leaders, and I am glad to do one more thing to make our state healthier."

At the foot of the State Capitol Armstrong told the crowd that 68 percent of Texans agree with him. They support a statewide ban on smoking in indoor and public work places.

"There's nothing conservative or liberal about this bill. It's simple common sense," Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, said.

But those who made it out to the Capitol to oppose the smoking ban weren't shy about sharing their views. They were, however, outnumbered by Capitol law enforcement guards standing between them and the rally.

	Protestors tell Lance to "go back to France."

"Lance Armstrong is really trying to use his celebrity to fight for more government and less liberty," protester Arthur DiBianca said.

The small group of opposition said none of them are smokers but they said all of them are opposed to government interference in personal life decisions.

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"Public property is property owned by the government and unfortunately they're confusing that, saying that a privately owned restaurant isn't allowed to have smoking," smoking ban opponent Robert Butler said.

Armstrong said exposing others to second-hand smoke in a public place is as irresponsible as speeding through a school zone.

		WATCH THE VIDEO
	Armstrong takes detour into politics Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong took a detour from his training to lend support for a statewide smoking ban.

"There will be plenty of questions, there will be plenty of controversy but at the end of the day it is the right thing to do," he said.

It will be during this Legislature that lawmakers will decide if they agree and make Texas smoke free.

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