BBC Sportcycling

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 22:16 GMT, Wednesday, 26 August 2009 23:16 UK

Armstrong announces squad debut


Advertisement

BBC Northern Ireland's Austin O'Callaghan catches up with cycling icon Lance Armstrong as he talks about his Livestrong Foundation and his possible future plans in endurance events. Full interview.

Lance Armstrong's new cycling squad Team Radio Shack will make its debut at the 2010 Tour Down Under in January.

The seven-time Tour de France winner is recruiting a new team for the 2010 Tour after coming out of retirement to ride for Astana in this year's race.

Armstrong, 37, finished third after a battle with team-mate Alberto Contador, who took overall honours in Paris.

The testicular cancer survivor intends to use the Tour Down Under to help boost awareness of his cancer work.

"We are going to go back to South Australia with the Tour Down Under, based on the fact that it's a great race, great community," said Armstrong.

Lance Armstrong
Armstrong was joined by more than 1,000 cyclists for a ride around Dublin

"Looking forward to going for the first race of the season with Team Radio Shack, the first race of all time for Team Radio Shack, and continue the work, continue the global mission, the global campaign."

Armstrong will compete as a cyclist, runner and triathlete in events around the world, including the 2010 Tour de France.

At the final day of Armstrong's global cancer summit in Dublin, South Australia Premier Mike Rann said he was thrilled to have the cyclist return."We are delighted to be able to announce that Lance and Team Radio Shack will be coming back to Adelaide, back to South Australia to participate in the Tour Down Under," stated Rann.

"We were thrilled when Lance made his comeback after retirement in South Australia and we're even more thrilled that he's coming back again."

The 2010 Tour Down Under takes place from 17-24 January.

Armstrong took part in the Tour of Ireland - pulling out on the final circuit on Sunday in heavy rain with no chance of winning - before attending the cancer summit.

606: DEBATE
Legendofthedevil

And he admitted he was shocked by the large turnout for his impromptu ride around Dublin's Phoenix Park on Tuesday.

More than 1,200 cyclists rode from across the Irish capital to join the impromptu spin announced on Twitter.

"I was surprised, but also very flattered that hundreds and hundreds, if not more than a thousand, showed up, on 10 hours notice," added Armstrong.

"I think the perception a lot of times is ... I can't play 18 with Tiger (Woods), I can't get in the ring with Ali, I can't play soccer with Pele.

"Those sports are different. Cycling is a sport of the people, and as you've probably watched the Tour, sometimes a little too close to the people."



Print Sponsor


see also
Armstrong thanks city for cycle
26 Aug 09 |  Europe
Downing takes Tour of Ireland win
23 Aug 09 |  Cycling
Armstrong in Tour of Ireland return
21 Aug 09 |  Northern Ireland
Hundreds on Armstrong Tweet ride
18 Aug 09 |  Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West
Contador set to stay with Astana
15 Aug 09 |  Cycling
Contador seals 2009 Tour victory
26 Jul 09 |  Cycling
Armstrong to launch new US team
23 Jul 09 |  Cycling
Armstrong hints at 2010 Tour race
12 Jul 09 |  Cycling


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites