Talkin Sport - Uncertainty over Armstrong return

Lance Armstrong's cycling comeback is in doubt because of a technicality over anti-doping re-entry rules.

Riders coming out of retirement need to be in the International Cycling Union's (UCI) anti-doping programme for six months before being allowed to race.

That would make the American ineligible for January's Tour Down Under, after his return following three years out.

"We'll respect whatever decision they come down with," said the American, "but it's my hope that I can race."

UCI president Pat McQuaid said: "Rules must be respected

The sport's governing body said it would make a final decision later this week, but it is unclear when the six-month countback will begin as the 37-year-old had to return to the United States Anti-Doping Agency's testing programme to compete in August's Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race in Colorado.

Armstrong filed papers with the US Anti-Doping agency on 1 August and claims he was tested in late August. However, the six month stipulation would seem to rule out a return before 1 February 2009, a week after the Tour Down Under finishes.

"We have to look into that. I am not sure what the exact dates are that he started the programme," added McQuaid.

The director of the Australia race, which begins on 20 January, said they face an anxious wait to see if the seven-time Tour de France champion will be allowed to compete.

"We are sitting tight and just waiting for the process to take its course," said Mike Turtur.

"The process is with the UCI - how they deal with it, that is internal stuff, that is up to them, so I don't know what the process is.

"It's a unique situation so they will have to deal with it and let us know what the outcome is."

Armstrong has also said he plans to race in the Tour of California in February and the Tour de France in July, while he has also mentioned the Paris-Nice race, a race in South Africa, and the Giro d'Italia as other possible 2009 events.

"It would be nice to do a race before the Tour of California," Armstrong said. "I'm working off the assumption I'm going (to Australia)."

Armstrong spokesman Mark Higgins said Astana, the Kazakhstani team for whom Armstrong will ride, would be likely to race in the Tour Down Under even if Armstrong cannot.

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