Lance Armstrong Commits to Riding in Tour de France next year

[dave nz]

Dec. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Lance Armstrong has decided to ride in the Tour de France in search of an eighth title after expressing concern in recent weeks about his personal safety at the race, the Associated Press reported.

Armstrong, who is returning to cycling next year after three years of retirement, dismissed safety concerns associated with an attempt at another title, telling AP in a telephone interview: “It’s not going to keep me from going and doing my job and it’s not going to keep me from spreading my message.”

The 37-year-old added that he’s “committed to riding for the best guy,” possibly placing Armstrong in a support role for one of his Astana team members, which includes 2007 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador.

Armstrong in September announced his return to racing to raise awareness about cancer. He’ll begin his comeback at January’s Tour Down Under in Australia and will race in the Giro D’Italia for the first time four months later. Johan Bruyneel, Astana’s team manager, said last week that a final decision on whether Armstrong competes in the Tour de France depends on his early-season form.

[Wellahiya]

gawd... no!

[westcoastO]

george carlin would be excited:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5sORcUDpwU

[westcoastO]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g4CiFXTyFw

(about 15 seconds in)

but i must say, i'm partial to what he's about to say at the end.

ok a BIT off topic, sorry