Lance Armstrong to miss 2010 Giro d’Italia

Published: October 26, 2009Posted in: News

Lance Armstrong will miss next year’s Giro d’Italia after announcing he will race at the Tour of California.

The California race normally takes place in Feburary but will start on May 16 in 2010 while the Giro, the world’s second biggest stage race and first Grand Tour of the year, begins on May 8.

“I’ve decided to ride the Tour of California in 2010,” said Armstrong on Twitter.

The 38-year-old came 12th in the 2009 edition of the Giro after announcing his comeback from retirement before finishing third at the Tour de France behind rival Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck .

Armstrong – a seven-time winner of the Tour de France – raced for Astana this year but will compete for his new Team RadioShack next season.

Defending Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer will also race for Team RadioShack in California and the race boasts a new route and new date to avoid the wet and chilly weather which blighted this year’s event.

The 2010 Giro is due to start in Amsterdam but the full route will be announced on Saturday.

(Source: morethanthegames.co.uk)

Mike M

Posted October 27, 2009 at 6:34 AM

Good choice… The United States needs a reason to bring the top riders. Now that California has a good date for the race, it can show the world this is a great place for a even bigger tour. Team Radio Shack….. Thanks for keeping the team home and racing in the states.

Matthew

Posted October 27, 2009 at 9:49 AM

Go Levi and Team RS! Give us all a good show.

Rocco

Posted October 29, 2009 at 7:21 PM

Thanks Lance, Levi and Radio Shack for throwing your support into the California Race. We need our hero’s to be seen here live to inspire all of those who cannot afford the trip to Europe to see the Cycling elite. Besides, it’s nice to ride for an appreciative crowd and not the cantankerous and ever so bitchy poor sports (France in particular) in the European races. I for one, will be at every stage along with my 5 1/2 year old son who LOVES cycling already. I dream of riding one of those super cool ultra lite bikes one day but until then I am happy just crusin around on my TREK clunker and spending time with my son. Good luck Levi on your title defense and God speed to the entire team. You do us proud guys !!