Report: Lance Armstrong Coming Out of Retirement, Will Ride in 2009 Tour de France

Lance Armstrong will come out of retirement and compete in the 2009 Tour de France, the competitive cycling journal Velo News is reporting.

Sports Stars Who Fought Cancer

Lance Armstrong survived his bout with testicular cancer and went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles. Reports now suggest the American is planning a comeback. Click through to see other sports figures who have battled cancer.

Peter Dejong, AP

Swimmer Eric Shanteau found out he had testicular cancer a week before qualifying for the Olympic team, but he postponed treatment so he could compete in Beijing. After coming up short in his bid to win a medal in the men's 200-meter breaststroke he returned home and underwent surgery.

Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Former NBA player Wayman Tisdale, seen here in 2006, had part of his leg amputated because of bone cancer. "This may sound drastic, but I have put it in God's hands and now have peace, knowing that this is the best way to put this disease in check," he said.

Brad Barket, Getty Images

Jim Calhoun underwent 33 radiation sessions over the summer to battle skin cancer, and now the UConn hoops coach expects to be recovered in time for the new season.

Ned Dishman, Getty Images

Maarten van der Weijden, who was given only a slim chance of survival after being diagnosed with leukemia in 2001, swims past the favorites to win a gold medal in one of the most grueling events of the Olympics.

Robert F Bukaty, AP

Bruce Snyder, who has coached football at Arizona State, California and Utah State, admitted in July that he has cancer through a statement released by Arizona State's sports information office.

Tom Hauck, Getty Images

Bobby Murcer, who was one of the most popular figures in Yankees history, died of brain cancer on July 12. He had been diagnosed with the disease on Christmas Eve of 2006.

Julie Jacobson, AP

Less than two months after his surgery for thyroid cancer, Diamondbacks pitcher Doug Davis made a triumphant return to the mound on May 23, giving up only one run in seven innings.

John Bazemore, AP

Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester survived a treatable form of large cell lymphoma in late 2006, which is now in remission. Lester, who also won the deciding game of the 2007 World Series, hurled the first no-hitter of 2008 against the Royals on May 19.

Charles Krupa, AP

Former Tennessee star Chris Lofton said he underwent treatment for testicular cancer after a random drug test at the 2007 NCAA Tournament revealed he potentially had a tumor.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

The report, citing "sources familiar with the developing situation," says:

Armstrong, who turns 37 this month, will compete in the Amgen Tour of California, Paris-Nice, the Tour de Georgia, the Dauphine-Libere and the Tour de France - and will race for no salary or bonuses, the sources, who asked to remain anonymous, told VeloNews.

Armstrong's manager, Mark Higgins, did not respond to questions.

However sources close to the story have told VeloNews that an exclusive article on the matter will be published in an upcoming issue of Vanity Fair, expected later this month.

Rumors of Armstrong's return swirled at last week's Eurobike trade show in Germany and this week's Tour of Missouri.

In an effort to prove that he doesn't use performance-enhancing drugs, Armstrong will reportedly post information about his blood tests online.

Lance Armstrong

In this photo provided by Alex Fenlon, Lance Armstrong crosses the finish line of the Leadville 100 mountain bike race on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, in Leadville, Colo. Armstrong finished second. (AP Photo/Alex Fenlon) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Alex Fenlon, Dave Wiens, left, leads Lance Armstrong as they approach the halfway point of the Leadville 100 mountain bike race on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, in Leadville, Colo. Wiens went on to win the race, with Armstrong second. (AP Photo/Alex Fenlon) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Alex Fenlon, Dave Wiens, left, leads Lance Armstrong just after the halfway point of the Leadville 100 mountain bike race on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, in Leadville, Colo. Wiens went on to win the race, with Armstrong second. (AP Photo/Alex Fenlon) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Alex Fenlon, Dave Wiens crosses the finish line of the Leadville 100 mountain bike race on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, in Leadville, Colo. Lance Armstrong finished second. (AP Photo/Alex Fenlon) ** NO SALES **

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, particiaptes in a press conference titled a "national call to action on cancer prevention and survivorship" on July 23, 2008 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Tim SLOAN (Photo credit should read TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Lance Armstrong, founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, speaks at a press conference titled a "National Call to action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship" on July 23, 2008 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO / TIM SLOAN (Photo credit should read TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Former US Surgeon General Antonia Novelloon (L) speaks, as cyclist Lance Armstrong (2nd-L), founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation; former Surgeon General Richard Carmona (C), former Surgeon General David Satcher (2nd-R) and former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders listen during a press conference titled a "National Call to action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship" on July 23, 2008 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO / TIM SLOAN (Photo credit should read TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

US George Hincapie (Columbia/US), national champion (1998-2006), and the only rider who rode with compatriot Lance Armstrong in each of his seven Tour de France victories, competes, on July 8 2008, during the 29-km individual time-trial and fourth stage of the 2008 Tour de France cycling race run around Cholet. German Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner/Ger) clocked in 35mn44sec. AFP PHOTO PASCAL PAVANI (Photo credit should read PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

US George Hincapie (Colombia/US), national champion (1998-2006) and the only rider who rode with compatriot Lance Armstrong in each of his seven Tour de France victories, poses during a press conference presenting the new jersey of US cycling team Colombia (ex-High Road), on July 4 2008 in Brest, Brittany, western France, on the eve of the start of the 2008 Tour de France cycling race. Running from Saturday July 5th to Sunday July 27th 2008, the 95th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometres. AFP PHOTO PASCAL PAVANI (Photo credit should read PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

US George Hincapie (Colombia/US) (4th L), national champion (1998-2006) and the only rider who rode with compatriot Lance Armstrong in each of his seven Tour de France victories, poses with teammates during a press conference presenting the new jersey of US cycling team Colombia (ex-High Road), on July 4 2008 in Brest, Brittany, western France, on the eve of the start of the 2008 Tour de France cycling race. Running from Saturday July 5th to Sunday July 27th 2008, the 95th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometres. AFP PHOTO PASCAL PAVANI (Photo credit should read PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images