Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he plans on taking part in the season’s opening Classic, Milan-Sanremo. Armstrong has participated in the Italian race six times previously, deciding that the nearly 300 kilometer effort will factor well in his quest to win and eighth Tour de France title.
“I would like to race San Remo again this year, I hope it works out,” he said.
Last year’s edition was won in dramatic style by HTC Columbia rider Mark Cavendish. The Manxman made a late jump from the leading group to overtake Cervelo TestTeam’s Heinrich Haussler by the slimmest of margins.
Armstrong is currently in Australia preparing for the Santos Tour Down Under which begins this Sunday. The RadioShack captain has already announced participation in several one-day Classics including the Amstel Gold Race, the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
If he does take part, the American likely won’t ride to contest the finish of La Primavera. His best placing was 11th in 1996, the year he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Armstrong also used Milan-Sanremo as part of his build up last year, placing 125th.