Armstrong set for Aussie comeback

Eurosport - Wed, 08 Oct 18:43:00 2008

Lance Armstrong can make his comeback in the Tour Down Under despite a breach of the rules, the UCI said.

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The seven-time Tour de France winner said last month he would return to the sport in Australia with the Astana team.

However, the UCI's Article 77 states a retired rider may only return to competition by informing the UCI six months in advance, in order to be available for out-of-competition dope testing.

Despite the race coming four months after the American's decision to return, the UCI has dropped the requirement.

"The aim of Article 77 can be better achieved through careful application of the current methods of the anti-doping programme than by the strict application of a time period," UCI said.

"The UCI can confirm Lance Armstrong has and will be the subject of very strict monitoring throughout the period running up to his return to the peloton."

The governing body's decision to let Armstrong race contrasts with comments made by UCI President Pat McQuaid at September's world championships in Varese, Italy.

"The UCI will follow the rules. If the rules state he has to be in the anti-doping programme for six months, that's the rule we will follow," he said.

Armstrong, who fought off cancer and unproven doping allegations during his career, is partly returning to cycling to promote a global cancer awareness campaign.

Reuters

Comment 1 - 9 of 9

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  1. I hope he kicks everyone's @#$%. Actually, he will in all likely-hood. Contador better get his TT game on or he will lose the Tour.

    From Sean B, on Thu 9 Oct 6:59PM

  2. i hope he blows big time in the mountains during the tour and then he can p... off back to Texas

    From Martin O'Brien, on Thu 9 Oct 6:31PM

  3. To all the people who don't want Armstrong back in cycling - it's not down to you. Do you think he's putting himslef back ontothe diet/training/competing treadmill for the fun of it? No - he's a competitor who wants to show that he still has the goods at the highest level of his profession. It's up to the authorities to find out if he's contravening the doping rules, and they had the tools in place to do it before and didn't catch him. What will you all say if he comes back, stays clean, and cleans up? Good luck Lance, any sport needs pure competitors, and right now cycling needs you.

    From Ted D, on Thu 9 Oct 12:42PM

  4. Well, at least people might watch/have interest in the Dunder Down Under this year!!!

    From Michael M, on Thu 9 Oct 9:06AM

  5. Sod off Lance - You AIN'T WELCOME

    From H C, on Wed 8 Oct 11:48PM

  6. gr8 2 c u back, intrested 2 c if u stil got it :-)

    From hamishhore, on Wed 8 Oct 8:56PM

  7. Great news!! YEA, Lance. Can't wait to see you race down-under. Cycling is going to be such great fun to watch next year with your return.

    From mercurycu, on Wed 8 Oct 8:42PM

  8. GO LANCE! Enjoy the racing everyone, cos he won't be able to compete for much longer. Just marvel at the grit and determination of a very single-minded athlete. Cycling just got a whole lot more interesting - thanks Lance for putting it back on the agenda.

    From Fiona, on Wed 8 Oct 8:18PM

  9. I wonder how much money Lance had to pay to get the Lance-bashers from France to change their opinion so uickly?

    From joglekbsi, on Wed 8 Oct 6:56PM
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