Armstrong fears for safety in Tour de France

LONDON, England (AP) — Lance Armstrong fears he could be attacked by spectators if he returns to the Tour de France next year.

The seven-time Tour champion, who is making a comeback after three years in retirement, said in an interview in The Guardian on Tuesday that he is concerned about his safety.

“I don’t want to enter an unsafe situation but you see this stuff coming out of France,” said the American rider, who has many critics in France.

“There’re some aggressive, angry emotions. If you believe what you read, my personal safety could be in jeopardy.

“Cycling is a sport of the open road and spectators are lining the road. I try to believe that people, even if they don’t like me, will let the race unfold.”

Asked specifically if he fears being physically attacked during next year’s Tour, he said, “Yeah. There’re directors of French teams that have encouraged people to take to the streets … elbow to elbow. It’s very emotional and tense.”

It’s unclear why Armstrong is worried about his safety now, given that attacks on riders are extremely rare.

Organizers have in recent years taken additional steps to protect riders from the crowds, including increasing the use of crowd barriers.

The Tour has its own police force to guard the route and ensure safety and French police paid particular attention to Armstrong’s safety when he was riding.

Armstrong announced his comeback in September and joined the Astana team. He is reunited with Astana team leader Johan Bruyneel, who teamed with Armstrong for all seven Tour de France wins from 1999-2005.

Armstrong plans to meet with Tour officials before deciding whether compete in the 2009 Tour.

He is scheduled to race the Giro d’Italia for the first time. The 100th anniversary edition of the Giro takes place from May 9-31. The Tour de France starts on July 4.

Armstrong reiterated his denials of the doping allegations that have dogged him during his career.

“The level of scrutiny I’ve had throughout my career from the press and the anti-doping authorities is unmatched. I’m not afraid of anything. I’ve got nothing to hide. I won seven Tours through hard work,” he said..

Armstrong also restated his rejection of the French anti-doping agency’s proposal that he agree to retest his 1999 urine samples to see whether the French newspaper L’Equipe was right when it reported they contained the banned substance EPO.

“I’m all for drug controls but if the athlete cannot defend himself, what kind of kangaroo court is that?” he said.

Tags: Sport