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.
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-01-11 11:02
