Cycling comeback of sorts? Lance Armstrong invited to 2018 Tour of Flanders

Disgraced American rider is controversially set to attend event as an invited guest and keynote speaker ahead of the April 1 classic in Belgium

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Lance Armstrong will make a rare appearance at a major cycling event next year. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:19pm, 14 Dec 2017Updated: 10:19pm, 14 Dec 2017

Disgraced former American cyclist Lance Armstrong is controversially set to attend next year’s Tour of Flanders as a guest of the famed cobbled classic, race organisers said on Thursday.

Armstrong was stripped of his record seven Tour de France titles won between 1999 and 2005 for a reign of doping that badly tarnished cycling’s credibility.

But officials for the prestigious “Monument” race said the 46-year-old will be an invited guest and a keynote speaker at the Tour of Flanders Business Academy ahead of the April 1 classic in Belgium.

“Lance Armstrong is delighted to be visiting Flanders to tell his story and experience his favourite one-day race live. To him, this will also be a return to cycling and, as far as I am concerned, he is very welcome!” said race organiser Wouter Vandenhaute.

Lance Armstrong has been invited to attend the cobbled classic, Tour de Flanders next year. Photo: AP

“Lance Armstrong is and remains a great champion. I have felt for many years now that he was above all punished for his arrogance.

“I met Lance Armstrong in Washington last October and found him to be a chastened man who has made peace with his fate.”