Ben Stiller showed his support for pal Lance Armstrong on Monday when he dropped in on the cycling champ to offer words of encouragement ahead of the latest stage of the Tour de France.

The actor and his wife Christine Taylor befriended Armstrong when the athlete made a cameo appearance in their 2004 movie Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.

They have remained in contact ever since, and the Stillers travelled to Marseille in France over the weekend to cheer on Armstrong as he competed for his eighth Tour de France title.

Stiller was even treated to a trip on Armstrong's Astana team bus as the cyclist discussed strategy plans with his colleagues ahead of the third stage of the competition.

And the funnyman was thrilled with his visit: "I'm a big Lance fan. It's my first time on the Tour. It's the real deal here. I'm very excited. I tried to give him some pointers, but I don't think it was very helpful. He is incredible."

Ben Stiller Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)