Armstrong says Contador rivalry set to intensify

Seven-time record Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong said yesterday he expects his rivalry with Alberto Contador to increase this year.

Armstrong, who will debut his new RadioShack team at this week's Tour Down Under in Australia, finished third in his comeback Tour de France last year as Spain's Contador won for a second time.

They were team-mates at Astana last year, but Armstrong, who dominated the Tour from 1999-2005, left Astana to spearhead his new RadioShack team, taking several riders with him.

The two Tour champions have made clear their genuine dislike for each other.

"All the personal stuff aside, just speaking about the athlete, he's fantastic, he's a very complete rider," Armstrong told Australian Associated Press.

"There's going to be a lot of buzz and build-up about that in 2010, especially now that we've all left to create another team. I will let everyone else build that up. I will be ready, I've got to tell you."

Armstrong, 38, said he was growing in confidence that he can beat Contador for an eighth Tour de France crown.

"I'm more excited than I was 12 months ago... I feel good about it, I really believe I can," he said.

"Every time I say it, there's 100 people who say 'no way', just because of my age, but I'm an optimist, so I'm staying there."

Armstrong began his cycling comeback at last year's Tour Down Under in Adelaide and it was a massive success for local organisers.

"If I'm lucky enough to get another one (Tour de France), then I could see racing for another season, which would mean going again in 2011," he said.