Armstrong to compete in Giro d’Italia

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.

The 37-year-old American cycling legend announced he was coming out of retirement last month.

"Not to have taken part in the Giro was one of my greatest regrets as a cyclist," said Armstrong.

"Finally, I will be able to do so. It will be the Centenary Giro and I know how much that means for Italians.

"Everyone says it will be only to prepare for the Tour (de France), but instead, it could be a case that I go to Italy to win and that the Giro will be my true three-week stage race."

Armstrong retired in 2005 following his seventh consecutive victory in the Tour but signed for Team Astana last month, where he will race alongside the 2008 Giro d'Italia winner Alberto Contador.

Armstrong will make his debut with Astana in the Tour Down Under in Australia in January.