Jalabert goes Ironman, Armstrong to return to NYC marathon

Former champion Laurent Jalabert, who holds the title of the 1995 Vuelta España among his vast palmarès, retired in 2002, but is not following the usual post-professional course of getting portly and out of shape. Instead, 'Jaja', who in 2005 ran the New York City Marathon in 2 hours 55 minutes, will turn his attentions to triathlon.

The 38 year-old who currently works as a commentator for French television, wants to qualify for the prestigious Hawaii Ironman, and if he makes it, he might find a familiar face amongst the competition - former T-mobile pro Rolf Aldag. Aldag qualified for the Hawaii Ironman in Lanzarote last year, but did not take part in the 2006 edition.

Meanwhile, seven time Tour de France winner and former triathlete Lance Armstrong is planning to return to the New York City marathon again this year, according to the Associated Press. In 2006, he ran the 26.2 mile test in 2 hours 59 minutes, calling the race "without a doubt the hardest physical thing I have ever done."