Armstrong joins Tour de France

US cyclist Lance Armstrong who won tour seven times will return to race in 2009.

US CYCLIST Lance Armstrong will take part in the 2009 Tour de France.

The announcement was made via the website of his team Astana.

Armstrong, 37, has won the tour a record seven times following his treatment for cancer.

His teammate Alberto Contador is the reigning Tour de France champion and will also be competing.

The 2009 Tour de France starts in Monaco on July 9. See the website www.letour.fr for a map of the route.

Photo:Afp/Javier Soriano