Doping rules may delay Armstrong comeback

Lance Armstrong might not be able to start his comeback in January in Australia because of the doping rules that apply to riders coming out of retirement.

Elite riders need to be in the sport’s anti-doping program for six months before they can race, cycling’s governing body said Saturday. The UCI will discuss with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency whether the seven-time Tour de France winner has met that requirement. The UCI said it will decide next week if Armstrong can race in the Tour Down Under set for Jan. 20-25.

On Sept. 8, USADA confirmed to the Associated Press that Armstrong was part of its out-of-competition testing pool and said he would be eligible for elite competition on Feb. 1, 2009.

UCI president Pat McQuaid said Saturday “the rules must be respected.”

Rule 77 of the International Cycling Union’s anti-doping program outlines when riders can begin their comeback in official races.

“A rider who has given notice of retirement from cycling to the UCI may not resume competing at international level unless he notifies the UCI at least 6 months in advance before he expects to return to international competition and is available for unannounced out of competition testing at any time during the period before actual return to competition,” the rule says.

Armstrong has run marathons and competed in small races since retiring.

“We have to look into that,” McQuaid said. “I am not sure what the exact dates are that he started the program.”