Lance Armstrong is to ride in the Giro d'Italia next May for the first time in his career, the race's organisers confirmed today.

LANCE ARMSTRONG vowed last night to swap his designer suit for racing lycra and get on his bike in a global campaign to raise awareness of cancer treatment and prevention.

Reports that seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will return to cycling have been met with bemusement by the team with which he is said to be making his comeback.

Alexandre Vinokourov has protested his innocence over claims he received a blood transfusion, although he will not attempt to regain his place in the Tour de France.

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme has expressed his disappointment over the latest scandal to affect the tour, after Team Astana withdrew following Alexandre Vinokourov’s positive test for a banned blood transfusion.

Team Astana have withdrawn from the Tour de France after Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for a banned blood transfusion.