By Gregor Brown Lance Armstrong's announcement yesterday that he would race the Giro d'Italia came...
Lance Armstrong wants to raise cancer awareness, but will also raise Giro status (Image credit: AFP)
By Gregor Brown
Lance Armstrong's announcement yesterday that he would race the Giro d'Italia came as a welcome sign for race director Angelo Zomegnan. The three-week race is largely considered an Italian affair, but the seven-time Tour de France winner's presence will change the Giro's global appeal.
"It is another step ahead in the internationalisation of the Giro d'Italia and gives further value to the Giro," said Italy's Zomegnan to Cyclingnews.
Race organiser RCS Sport announced Armstrong's decision to race in the 2009 event – May 9 to 31 – yesterday. There has been speculation that the American, 37, would include the Giro d'Italia in his programme since he stated he would come back to racing last month. In his career, which includes winning the Tour de France seven times in a row, he never raced Italy's Grand Tour.
"He has stopped for three years; we don't know how he will go. He is a rider that if he puts himself to an objective it is because he has a certain feeling that he can return at a good level and be a protagonist."
Past champions of the Tour de France also won the Giro d'Italia. Five-time Tour winners Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain all won at least one edition of the Italian tour.
Armstrong's presence will add an extra reason for the Giro d'Italia to celebrate in 2009. The 92nd edition will mark 100 years since the race organisers held the first event in 1909.
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"It is important for Armstrong because he likely had a regret that he never participated. He is the only one that can win the centenarian Giro after he won the centenarian Tour."
Cyclingnews' recent coverage of Lance Armstrong's comeback
