Armstrong Set for Tour, But Role Up in the Air

Discussion Policy
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Lance Armstrong will ride in the 2009 Tour de France, marking the first time he will compete in that race and the Giro d'Italia in the same year.

"I'm committed to riding for the best guy," Armstrong said yesterday, acknowledging the taxing schedule could leave him riding in a supporting role in France.

The Giro runs May 9-31, and the Tour begins July 4.

With such a quick turnaround between two grueling races, the seven-time Tour champion acknowledged his body might not perform at the same level it did when he last won the Tour in 2005. "If you've been away for three or four years, it would be silly for anybody to think I could pick up where I left off," Armstrong said.

· COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Clemson gave interim coach Dabo Swinney, 39, a five-year contract to replace former boss Tommy Bowden. . . .

Lane Kiffin, 33, was introduced at Tennessee, becoming the youngest coach to lead a major program. The former coach of the Oakland Raiders is five months younger than the previous youngest coach in division I-A, Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald. . . .

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford tore ligaments in his non-throwing hand during the Sooners' win over the weekend and is expected to have surgery following the Big 12 championship game. Coach Bob Stoops expects Bradford to play with a soft cast on his left hand in Saturday's game. . . .

Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell had surgery Sunday to repair nine breaks in two fingers of his non-throwing hand, but he won't miss any playing time.

· BASEBALL: Career steals leader Rickey Henderson heads 10 first-time candidates on this year's Hall of Fame ballot, joining holdovers Mark McGwire and Jim Rice, who is eligible for the final time. [Ballot, E6.]

· SOCCER: Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Ball awarded to the European Footballer of the Year, becoming the fourth Manchester United player to take the honor and first since winger George Best in 1968.

-- From News Services



More in the Sports Section

Compete

Stadium Guide

Take an interactive tour of the district's newest stadium, Nationals Park.

Talking Points

Talking Points

Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon discuss the hot topics in sports.

Fantasy

D.C. Sports Bog

Dan Steinberg gives you an inside look at all of your favorite local teams.

© 2008 The Washington Post Company