Landis confirms racing plans

Floyd Landis has confirmed his plans to return to the peloton in 2009, saying "I'm going to be racing again next year."

Landis, who is currently sitting out a two-year suspension, was in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, for the 2008 Pepper Place Criterium. In an interview with the Birmingham News, he wouldn't confirm reports that he would ride for a team to be run by Momentum Sports Group. "It's not solidified yet but it was announced before I had a chance to get everything organised," he said. "I'm not sure which races I'll do but I'll start most likely with the Tour of California in February."

When asked why he wanted to return, he said, "I race because I enjoy doing it. It's been my life for the last 15 years so what other people think really is of no importance to me." Landis said that he would enjoy racing as much as ever when he returns, "maybe even more because I've missed it for two years."

Landis is not the only American cyclist planning a comeback, and he believes that Lance Armstrong has a chance to win the Tour de France again "If he races, he's going to be racing to win. That's his personality. He'll be 38 years old, and no one's ever won the Tour at 38. But no one ever won it seven times either, so we won't put it past him."