Armstrong to line up for one more Tour

SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Jan 10 (AFP) – Six-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will make up his mind whether he competes in this year’s renewal at the end of April.

However 33-year-old Armstrong added that under the terms of his contract with new sponsors Discovery Channel he would have to take part in either this year’s race or the one in 2006.

“The deal was I was going to do the tour in 2005 or 2006,” said the Texan.

Armstrong will race in the one day classics in April before making up his mind.

“That would be a good time to adjust,” he commented.

“At the moment I cannot say if I will be able to take part.

“We are not ruling anything out, but we will see at the time.”

Armstrong, though, said that his decision would not be based on his sometimes fractious relations with the French public, in fact he claimed he was liked by the majority of them.

“I think this perception between myself and the entire French public is absolutely incorrect.

“The majority of people are supporting me on the side of the road, a few say nasty things … I am fine with that.”

Armstrong added that he would like to compete in the Tour of Flanders from March 4-6, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege on April 24, The Fleche-Wallon and perhaps the Amstel Gold Cup on April 17.

He is also hoping to take part in the Tour of Italy or the Tour of Spain.