Lance Armstrong will return to competitive cycling with Team Astana in Australia in January. The seven-time Tour de France winner also announced he would compete in the 2009 Tour.

American cyclist Amber Neben clocked the fastest time at the women's time trial at the world road championships in Varese, Italy. Beijing gold medalist Kristin Armstrong could only end 5th, while French veteran Jeannie Longo, 49, came 13th.

French veteran Fabrice Santoro said Wednesday he would cut back his playing schedule for 2009 after a first round drubbing at the Thailand Open, signalling that retirement may not be far off.

Henri Serandour, president of the French Olympic committee, has announced that France will compete to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. The name of the city representing the country will be unveiled in March 2009.

2009's Tour Down Under in Australia could see the comeback of US cycling star Lance Armstrong, according to a press agency quoting Australian authorities. Armstrong is expected to give further details in a series of press conferences.