Lance Armstrong admits he is riding in the Giro d'Italia for the first time because he is uncertain if Tour de France organisers will offer him an invitation to compete in their race next summer.
The seven-time winner of Le Tour recently announced his return to professional cycling but has had a strained relationship with journalists and organisers in France.
Looking ahead to the centenary Giro, Armstrong said in an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘I have no experience in this race. The other day I trained with Axel Merckx (former cyclist and son of cycling legend Eddy Merckx) and I asked him a ton of questions.
‘I am excited. I will go with the idea of winning it.’
When he announced his return to racing last month, Armstrong said his intention was to raise awareness to the fight against cancer.
He survived testicular cancer before winning his first Tour de France.
He said: ‘It could be the possibility that the Giro will be the only stage race of three weeks that I will take part in next year.
‘Up to now, there are doubts on the Tour.’
The 37-year-old achieved legendary status on the bike and even made cycling a headline sport in
the United States.
He never tested positive for a banned substance, which enhanced his reputation although there are sceptics in France.
He sadi: ‘Everyone knows the importance of the Tour.
‘But with all the problems that I have with the organisers, journalists and fans, I could be distracted from my mission, which is to focus the world attention on the battle against cancer.’
He is still hopeful of riding in the Grande Boucle.
He said: ‘I hope there will be a diplomatic and peaceful solution.
‘Before announcing my comeback, I contacted the (Tour) organisers but I still haven't had any reply. Is there a possibility that they will not invite me?
‘Everything is possible but I would find it incredible, a type of own goal. I want to be in Paris but in a situation of calmness.’
