Jake Gyllenhaal has taken over the role of cyclist Lance Armstrong in a new movie about the Tour de France champ's life, according to reports. Matt Damon was thought to be first choice to play the seven-time winner on the big screen.

Gyllenhaal has taken over the role, and recent cycling training he has been doing with the sportsman is actually practice for the grueling role, according to Moviehole.net. The pair was recently spotted hanging out at the French event and have also been seen pedaling in the Hollywood hills with another fitness fanatic star, Matthew McConaughey.

Moviehole claims Damon pulled out of the film because of his busy schedule.

-See photos of Jake Gyllenhaal.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)