Armstrong will return in 2010: Turtur

3 Jul 2009, 1:03 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur remains confident cycling legend Lance Armstrong will return to the race in 2010.

Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur remains confident cycling legend Lance Armstrong will return to the race in 2010.

After hosting Armstrong's comeback to professional racing in January this year, Turtur said next year's tour around Adelaide could be the last chance for Australians to see the seven times Tour de France champion.

"Maybe in 2010, it's the last chance to see Armstrong compete," he said on Friday.

"So we've gone from the comeback to the last chance.

"I reckon that's going to be bigger than the comeback."

Turtur declined to comment on what Armstrong was paid to race in the Tour Down Under in 2009 and what organisers might have to pay for his return.

But he said whatever the amount, the state reaped huge rewards.

The South Australian government said Armstrong was worth paying to come back to Adelaide, at any price.

The key factors in the American's return are expected to be his performance in the Tour de France, starting on Saturday, and the formation of a new team for 2010.

If he wins the tour or at least performs well, he is likely to be tempted to continue racing.

But if he fails to live up to his own lofty expectations, he might decide to retire for a second time.

He also needs to secure sponsorship with his Astana outfit tipped to disband because of its financial woes this year.

Turtur said Tour Down Under officials continued to negotiate with Armstrong's management and watch developments regarding new teams.

He expected most issues to sorted out well before the end of the year.

"What I can say, is that he (Armstrong) is in constant contact with key people and we continue to negotiate with his management and they're keen and interested," he said.

Whatever happens Turtur said Armstrong's comeback performance in Adelaide this year was a legacy that would remain with the tour for many years to come.

Next year's Tour Down Under will be raced from January 17-24.

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