Lance Armstrong's pro cycling comeback year in 2009 will include the Giro d'Italia for the first time in his career.
Just days after he received an official invitation from the Giro d'Italia organizers to compete in the 100th anniversary of the 3-week stage race, Armstrong accepted.
“I raced a long time professionally and I never did the Giro, it’s one of the biggest regrets that I ever had.”
I doubt he's waiting for a similar invitation from the Tour de France. So far, it sounds like the Tour organizers would like to discourage his return to their race.
[In fact, Armstrong was quoted in Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport:
“Everyone knows its importance, but the problems that I have with the organizers, journalists and fans could distract me from my mission — focusing the world's attention on the battle against cancer.”]
Here's the rundown of races of Armstrong's schedule:
Tour Down Under — Jan. 20 – 24
Tour of California — Feb. 14 – 22
Giro d'Italia — May 9 – 31
When news first broke last month about his returning to pro cycling, he also mentioned the Tour de France (July 4-26), of course, as well as the Paris-Nice, the Tour de Georgia, the Dauphine-Libere. There's been no word on any of those.
Even in making his return announcement, Armstrong didn't mention the Giro d'Italia. He never raced it because he was either racing in the US at the time or preparing for the Tour de France.
In a statement, Armstrong said:
“Everyone is saying that the Giro will serve to prepare for the Tour. Actually, it could be that I come to Italy to win and the Giro will actually be my real three-week stage race of the year.”
There's speculation that by focusing on the Giro d'Italia, instead of the Tour, Armstrong could go for the Giro's pink jersey instead of the Tour's yellow jersey. That might take pressure off the relationship between him and teammate Alberto Contador, who has not been happy about competing with Armstrong on Team Astana.
It might also be ensure a big race for Armstrong if Team Astana is left out by the Tour de France again.
More at VeloNews and CyclingNews.
Recent Comments