Published: March 03, 2007 04:48 am         

Lance Armstrong cyclists to race in Tour de London

Cyclists involved in the Lance Armstrong Junior Olympics road race series are planning to compete in Tour de London.

The race series is open to junior riders 15 to 18, as well as espoir riders aged 19 to 22.

“The purpose of this is to first give an opportunity for juniors to race that they are not otherwise getting,” said USA Cycling Events Manager Tom Vinson. “Secondly, it’s also a talent identifier.”

This year 92 such events, the highest numbers since the organization was formed in 1993, have been organized. Tour de London was chosen be-cause of the route’s challenging nature, as well as its 41-mile length.

“You’re offering enough events and a quality race to warrant doing it,” Vinson said.

While Armstrong’s name is on the race series, he is not himself involved with the organization.

“He wrote a check to get the program going,” Vinson explained. “He also understands the purpose of giving juniors an opportunity to race. They’re not sending old guys to the Olympics.”

Winners of the races get invitations to cycling camps, which will be held in June in states including Arizona, California, Texas and Wisconsin.

Vinson said it not known if any riders who participated in LAJORS have gone to the Olympics.

“There’s an excellent possibility, but that’s difficult to document,” he said.

In other Tour de London news:

• Event organizers are still looking for national sponsors. Tour de London Chairman David Sutton said he’s asked about six companies to pay for the $10,000 sponsorship. The companies have until March 31 to respond. Organizers need about $22,000 to pull off the event, but for now Sutton is asking simply for donations. “We haven’t asked the city or county,” he said. “We’re keeping that at bay at this point in time.”

• The event will include a hand cycle category this year for those who are disabled.

• The contest will still have a $10,000 pay out.