Lance Armstrong has confirmed that he will indeed return to race at the top level of road racing in 2009. Just ahead of his 37th birthday the Texan rider has told Velonews and Cycling news that the Tour de France is his goal, a potential record 8th title. 

The reason for this u-turn?  “I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden,” Armstrong stated in a release to The Associated Press. “This year alone, nearly 8 million people will die of cancer worldwide. Millions more will suffer in isolation, victims not only of the disease but of social stigma. After the passage of Proposition 15 in Texas, a $3 billion investment in the fight against cancer which is helping to make this disease part of the national dialogue in America, it’s now time to address cancer on a global level.”

In a Vanity Fair article Armstrong states that he will ride with Astana but this is yet to be confirmed by the team.  However a move elsewhere would be very strange given his long history with the management of Team Astana - Johann Bruyneel and Dirk Demol.  Trek, his long time sponsor, also sponsors the team.  The only other team which could potentially make sense in my opinion would be Team Columbia where his long time former lieutenant George Hincapie resides, the only man to ride all seven victories at his side.

Regardless of who he rides for Armstrong’s return will reignite interest in the sport and particularly the Tour not only in the US but world wide and should he achieve his goal of that 8th title he will undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest cyclist ever.  Speculation concerning his return has suggested that it is due to his desire to clear his name once and for all.  Armstrong stated in the article in Vanity Fair that “We’re going to be completely transparent and open with the press. This is for the world to see…. So there is a nice element here where I can come with a really completely comprehensive program and there will be no way to cheat.”

Armstrong will announce details of his team and pre-Tour racing schedule on the 24th of September in New York City.

One thing is clear, 2009 is going to be a great year for cycling…