Armstrong's former manager upbeat about comeback

Lance Armstrong's former team manager, Johan Bruyneel, said that physically there is no reason why the American cannot stage a successful comeback next year at the age of 37.

Seven times Tour winner Armstrong announced this week he planned to return to racing in 2009 after a three-year absence.

Bruyneel, who now manages the Astana team, told reporters:

"Lance is exceptional. Don't forget (Spaniard Juan) Llaneras has won Olympic medals (silver and gold on the track last month in Beijing) at 39. Lance will be 37. So, more than age, winning is a question of your psychology."

Bruyneel played down the prospect of conflict between Armstrong and Spaniard Alberto Contador, the 2007 Tour winner, if the American signed with Astana.

"If Lance were not at a good enough level to win the Tour, knowing him as well as I do, I'm sure he would be happy to help Alberto do that," he said.

Bruyneel directed Armstrong from 1999 up to the rider's retirement in 2005.

Asked if he could see Armstrong, who turns 37 on Sept. 18, in any team apart from his own Kazakh-sponsored outfit, Bruyneel said: "I just can't imagine that happening".

Bruyneel said he had spoken to Armstrong for 15 minutes on Tuesday about the comeback and that his participation in a mountain bike race had inspired him to return.

"He's coming back because he loves cycling, and because he wants to use his comeback as part of his campaign against cancer," he added.