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Thursday, 30 January, 2003, 14:10 GMT

Armstrong: War will not stop me

Four-time champion Lance Armstrong says he will compete in the Tour de France even if the United States goes to war against Iraq.

The American cycling legend said he is aware of an increased security risk to himself and the Tour if hostilities break out in the Middle East.

But he told Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport that he would not pull out of the most prestigious event on the cycling calendar.

"We Americans do not enjoy much sympathy abroad at the moment," said Armstrong.

" Even if I am advised to pull out for security reasons I will still go "
Lance Armstrong

"If I have to do the Tour with a war under way it would be very difficult for me.

"In cycling you ride in the open - there is no fencing or protection nets.

"But I will be there just the same, it won't be the war that stops me."

"Even if I am advised to pull out for security reasons I will still go.

"I am not afraid and anyway I am not convinced that that there will be a war," said the 31-year-old.

Armstrong added that he is totally focused on winning his fifth successive Tour next season.

"I am thinking only about winning that race. Ever since I have been on a bike I have been riding only for success in the Tour," he said.

"I will be a cyclist as long as I enjoy it and at this moment my love for this sport is stronger than ever."

He said that he regarded Jan Ullrich as his main rival, despite the German's switch to a new team after a series of problems.


Related to this story:
Cycling: Lance rules (28 Nov 02 | Sports Reviews) Armstrong regrets Ventoux absence (25 Oct 02 | Cycling)


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