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ROME, Oct 10, 2008 (AFP) - Giro d’Italia chief Angelo Zomegnan has paved the way for the maiden participation of Lance Armstrong by officially inviting the seven-time Tour de France champion to next year’s race.

Armstrong never raced the Giro d’Italia during his Tour reign, but ahead of the Giro’s centenary next year the American admitted he would like to take part in the ‘corsa rosa’.

“Not participating in the Giro was a regret of mine. I would love to try that, with their 100th year anniversary,” Armstrong said recently after announcing his return to the sport after a three-year hiatus.

When asked if Armstrong has been invited to the 2009 edition, Zomegnan told La Gazzetta dello Sport Friday: “He has been invited.”

Armstrong, 37, will make his much-anticipated return to competitive racing at the Tour Down Under in January after receiving the green light from UCI officials.

Spaniard Alberto Contador, who rides for the Astana team which Armstrong has recently joined, is the reigning Giro champion.