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Lance Armstrong To Ride Again In 2009

Lance_Armstrong.jpgIt’s official – Lance is back. Lance Armstrong is coming out of retirement and determined to ride five big races next year, including the 2009 Tour de France. He’s officially announcing his return on September 24th, but the news is already out.

“I’m going back to professional cycling,” Armstrong told Vanity Fair. “I’m going to try and win an eighth Tour de France.”

In a Fox Sports article, Armstrong credits the Leadville 100 mountain bike race with getting him back in competitive mode…

“This kind of obscure bike race, totally kick-started my engine,” he told Vanity Fair in an exclusive interview, referring to the lung-searing 100-mile mountain bike race through the Colorado Rockies. “I’m going to try and win an eighth Tour de France.”

Lance didn’t win the Leadville 100 (he came in second) but the Tour de France is on the road and that’s where he shines. But Lance isn’t just out to win. He’s returning to professional cycling to raise awareness of cancer on a global scale. After overcoming testicular cancer to win the Tour de France seven times, Armstrong founded the cancer research and education foundation, LiveStrong. He’s helped raise millions of dollars for the fight against cancer and hopes his cycling presence will help raise even more.

Armstrong won’t be taking a salary or any bonuses to ride in 2009 with Team Astana and will be posting results of blood tests online to prove he’s a clean athlete. Team Astana has been hit hard in the past by doping scandal and controversy. In fact, they were banned from the 2008 Tour de France due to doping allegations. His longtime friend, Johan Bruyneel, is on the team – perhaps he just wants to help clear their name.

Armstrong is determined to silence the doubters. He’s even hired a video crew to chronicle his training for 2009, as well as his drug tests, for a possible documentary.

“There’s this perception in cycling that this generation is now the cleanest generation we’ve had in decades, if not forever,” said Armstrong, who’s never tested positive. “And the generation that I raced with was the dirty generation. … so there is a nice element here where I can come with really a completely comprehensive program and there will be no way to cheat.”

Whether you’re a believer or a doubter, one thing’s for sure – the 2009 Tour de France just got a lot more exciting. Do you think Lance can win another tour at 38 years old?

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