Armstrong to make comeback in Australia

Lance Armstrong is to make his official comeback to professional road cycling racing at next year's Tour Down Under, race organisers have confirmed.

Armstrong, who retired after winning a seventh Tour de France title in 2005, announced his intention to return to the sport earlier this month.

The 37-year-old is set to outline the full details of his comeback at a press conference in New York later on Wednesday.

The 2009 Tour Down Under is the first stop on the ProTour calendar and will be held in South Australia from 18 to 25 January 2009.

South Australia Premier Mike Rann said: ‘Lance participating in the Tour Down Under will mean the biggest influx of overseas and interstate visitors to any sporting event in South Australia's history.

‘Attracting world cycling icon Lance Armstrong to begin his comeback in South Australia is a major coup for the State and will place the Tour Down Under front and centre of the world professional cycling events.’

Armstrong, a former cancer sufferer, is hoping to use his comeback to professional racing to raise awareness of the disease, and Mr Rann revealed he is happy to support the American in that enterprise.

‘I also spoke to Lance's management regarding South Australia cancer research and treatment credentials and promised to support Armstrong in his mission,’ he said.

‘We are happy to join with him in supporting those causes.’

City of Adelaide Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith added: ‘The Tour Down Under has become a prestigious and truly international event since its inception in 1999, and it is testament to the growing reputation of the race that Lance has decided to launch his comeback here.

‘His presence will not only further promote this world-class event, it will be invaluable in raising awareness and uniting people in the global fight against cancer.

‘Lance's decision to race in the Tour Down Under is a huge boost to the event and gives a great opportunity to showcase South Australia to the world.’

Armstrong is widely expected to confirm he will make his comeback with the Astana team when he addresses the world's media at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting later on Wednesday.