Armstrong gets green light for return

THE International Cycling Union have given the go ahead for Lance Armstrong to make his comeback at the Tour Down Under.

There had been fears the seven-time Tour de France winner would be barred the January race in Australia due to a rule which stipulates returning riders must inform the UCI six months in advance of their comeback in order to undertake out-of-competition drug tests.

Armstrong would not be allowed to return to action before February but UCI have made an exception in order for the American to compete in the first event of the 2009 ProTour.