MONACO—Lance Armstrong put in a solid performance in his comeback at the Tour de France on Saturday, finishing the first stage ahead of 170 riders many years younger and a respectable 10th behind winner Fabian Cancellara.

Armstrong’s Astana team was dominant in the time trial through the hills and hairpin turns of Monaco, led by the cyclist who would be his heir as Tour titan—Alberto Contador of Spain.

The Texan, who has a record seven Tour victories, is making his return to cycling’s showcase event after ending a 3 1/2-year retirement this winter. The 37-year-old Armst...

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