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Armstrong may miss Le Tour

American admits to doubts over tilt at eighth title

Last updated: 14th October 2008

Armstrong: Giro debut

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Lance Armstrong has yet to decide if he will ride in next year's Tour de France.

The American, who retired in 2005 after his record seventh Tour win, announced on Monday he will race in May's Giro d'Italia for the first time.

Armstrong - who has returned to competitive action to help publicise his cancer foundation - was quoted as saying on the website of Gazzetta dello Sport: "There is the possibility that the Giro is the only three-week stage race that I will run. Still today, there are doubts over the Tour.

"Everybody knows its importance but the problems I have with the organisers, journalists and fans could be distracting for my mission - to focus world attention on the battle against cancer."

The 37-year-old Texan survived testicular cancer before going on to win the Tour de France every year from 1999-2005.