PARIS, Dec 21, 2008 (AFP) – Astana cycling team on Sunday denied Lance
Armstrong would compete in next year’s Tour of the Sarthe/Loire following the
announcement by race organisers this weekend.

Organisers said on Saturday the American seven-time Tour de France winner
had confirmed his participation in the April 7 to 10 event.

The Kazakh team said in a statement however: “Contrary to certain
announcements, Lance Armstrong will not be competing in the Tour of the
Sarthe/Loire. Astana will confirm Lance Armstrong’s schedule once it is
finalised.”

The 36-year-old Armstrong is scheduled to return to competition in the Tour
Down Under in Australia in January.