Is he serious? Armstrong comeback talk causes ripples

By Andrew Hood

Could Lance Armstrong return to racing next year to clear his name of doping allegations leveled by the French newspaper L’Equipe two weeks ago?

Discovery Channel sport director Johan Bruyneel didn’t shoot down that possibility after reports that Armstrong is mulling a comeback surfaced Tuesday.

“I’m not counting out anything,” Bruyneel told Spanish television at the conclusion of Tuesday’s 11th stage at the Vuelta a España. “With what’s happened in France, he would have a little extra motivation.”

In a story in Tuesday’s Austin American-Statesman, the Texas newspaper reported that Armstrong recently became engaged to rocker girlfriend Sheryl Crow. In a side note, it also quoted the seven-time Tour de France champion was considering a comeback.

“I’m thinking about it,” the paper quoted Armstrong. “I’m thinking it’s the best way to piss [the French] off.”

Armstrong officials quickly back-pedaled on the story Tuesday afternoon and denied that the recently retired 33-year-old is serious about returning to racing.

“It’s not going to happen,” Mark Higgins told The Associated Press. “He’s 100 percent retired.”

Higgins told the AP he spoke to Armstrong after the article appeared and said Armstrong was joking about coming out of retirement.

Armstrong said he had toyed with the idea of a comeback after L’Equipe reported Aug. 23 that he tested positive for a performance enhancing drug during the 1999 tour. He has strongly denied the drug allegations and called the media attacks a “witch hunt.”

Bruyneel, however, said he wouldn’t be surprised if Armstrong does make a return to racing. And for Armstrong, that would mean a run for an unprecedented eighth Tour title.

The Belgian sport director said he hadn’t spoken to Armstrong on Tuesday, but added the pair speaks frequently and suggested the comeback option has been seriously discussed.

“I haven’t spoken with him today, but it’s nothing new,” Bruyneel said. “He started training three weeks ago and it shows he’s getting a little bored with being retired.”

Bruyneel said he and Armstrong have stayed in close contact during the opening 12 stages of the three-week Vuelta, with the Texan taking particular interest in how the team is racing and how the race is unfolding. Armstrong and Bruyneel are both part of the ownership team of the Discovery Channel racing team.

“He’s calling me all the time, asking about the team and asking about the Vuelta,” he said. “This shows he’s missing cycling a little bit.”

Bruyneel said Armstrong is already planning to attend the team’s pre-season training camp in early December. Whether that’s as a retired racer or a rider on a comeback remains to be seen.

“If he decided to come back, it wouldn’t surprise me,” Bruyneel said. “I cannot say for sure, but (a comeback) would be something beautiful.”

The story took another turn when Armstrong himself said he hasn’t discounted the possibility of a return. “While I’m absolutely enjoying my time as a retired athlete with Sheryl and the kids, the recent smear campaign out of France has awoken my competitive side,” Armstrong said on the team’s web site. “I’m not willing to put a percentage on the chances but I will no longer rule it out.”

Armstrong retired in July after winning a record seven consecutive Tours de France. He turns 34 on September 18.