Date:01/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/01/stories/2008100162402400.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Armstrong wants to race in Australia

AUSTIN: Lance Armstrong wants to return to elite racing in January on the Tour Down Under even though he’s not eligible to return until February 1.

The race in Australia runs from January 20-25. Armstrong said on Monday he’s hoping authorities will grant him an exemption and allow him to ride. “It’s my hope that I get down there,” Armstrong said. “We’ll respect whatever decision they come down with.” The International Cycling Union requires riders coming out of retirement to be in the sport’s anti-doping program for six months before racing.

Armstrong filed paperwork on August 1 with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and said he’s already been drug-tested — in late August. The UCI has said it will make a decision this week.

Armstrong drew comparisons between his case and that of Italian cyclist Mario Cipollini, who came out of retirement in this year’s Tour of California despite not meeting the six-month doping timeframe. — AP