Armstrong open to tour return

Lance Armstrong “will no longer rule out” an attempt to win an eighth Tour de France.

The Texan, 33, raised the possibility he could make a comeback when he announced his engagement to the rock star Sheryl Crow yesterday but the seriousness of his comments were in doubt.

However, the seven-time Tour winner – who has been accused of using the blood booster EPO in the first of his victories in 1999 – issued a further statement which suggests he could well return to the saddle.

He said: “While I’m absolutely enjoying my time as a retired athlete with Sheryl and the kids, the recent smear campaign out of France has awoken my competitive side.

“I’m not willing to put a percentage on the chances but I will no longer rule it out.”

The story has caught the rest of the Discovery Cycling organisation – most of whom are on the Tour of Spain – on the hop with Armstrong’s spokesman Mark Higgins insisting the Texan was “100% retired“.

Discovery sporting director Johan Bruyneel then admitted it was “not impossible” he could make a comeback before the team manager Dan Osipow said: “If there’s a certain rider from Texas who wants to join the team, we’ll have space.”