PARIS, March 18, 2010 (AFP) – Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will ramp up his preparation for this year’s race by taking part in the Circuit de la Sarthe from April 6-9, the organisers said Thursday.

For the 38-year-old Texan, it will be his fourth participation in the event following his appearances in 1999, 2001 and 2003.

Armstrong will also take part in the Milan-SanRemo on Saturday, the first classic of the season