AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong announced Tuesday he will return to competitive cycling in 2009.
In a statement released on livestrong.org, Armstrong's cancer awareness foundation, he noted his desire to return to the sport from which he retired three years ago.
"I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden," the statement read.
"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. It's now time to address cancer on a global level."
Velo News had reported Monday Armstrong will ride with the Astana Team while competing for his eighth Tour de France. He won the last of his seven Tour de France titles in July 2005 and retired several months later.
