Lance Armstrong

World cycling superstar Lance Armstrong is to make his official comeback to professional road cycling racing at South Australia’s 2009 ProTour Tour Down Under.
 

South Australian Premier Mike Rann said he was delighted to make the announcement today, about eight hours ahead of the American cycling legend’s news conference in New York.

“Attracting world cycling icon Lance Armstrong to begin his comeback in South Australia is a major coup for the State and will place the Tour Down Under front and centre of the world professional cycling events.

“Lance Armstrong’s global profile has the potential to double the 15,000 people who come to South Australia to watch the race, and we are told we can anticipate a quadrupling of worldwide media coverage for the event – because of his immense popularity.

Mr Rann says Lance Armstrong, a cancer survivor, had made it very clear that part of his comeback was to raise awareness of cancer and its global burden.

“The Tour Down Under’s Race Director Mike Turtur first approached Lance Armstrong's management earlier this year to discuss the possibility of a guest appearance by Lance for the 2009 Tour Down Under.

“Last year we edged out the toughest rivals – China, California and Russia – to be the first place outside Europe to host a ProTour event.

“Now we’ve edged out another series of international rivals who were all vying to host Lance’s comeback race.

“I also spoke to Lance’s management regarding South Australia cancer research and treatment credentials and promised to support Armstrong in his mission.

“The Tour Down Under has become a prestigious and truly international event since its inception in 1999 and it is testament to the growing reputation of the race that Lance has decided to launch his comeback here.

“His presence will not only further promote this world-class event; it will be invaluable in raising awareness and uniting people in the global fight against cancer.”

“A cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong is the record-breaking seven-time winner of the Tour de France, winning the race between 1999-2005, before retiring from the sport in 2005.

“No doubt cycling fans around the world will take this unique opportunity to see the greatest ever cyclist competing in Australia.”

The 2009 Tour Down Under is the first stop on the ProTour world cycling calendar and will be held in South Australia from 18-25 January 2009.