Lance Armstrong training for tours and fatherhood again

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It’s not going to be just a return to competitive cycling for Lance Armstrong in 2009.

It’s also going to be a return to fatherhood. Armstrong’s agent, Mark Higgins, confirmed a CNN report that said Armstrong, a survivor of testicular cancer, and girl friend Anna Hansen, are expecting Armstrong’s fourth child in June.

Armstrong, who already owns a record seven straight Tour de France titles, announced earlier this year he was coming back to a full racing schedule in 2009, including plans to race in the Tour de France, which begins July 4.

Armstrong’s other three children, son Luke born in 1999 and twin daughters Grace and Isabella born in 2001, were conceived through sperm Armstrong had banked before he underwent chemotherapy for his cancer with his then-wife Kristin Armstrong.

In a statement released through Higgins, Armstrong said: ‘Anna and I are thrilled to confirm that we are expecting in June and our families are ecstatic and grateful. We are very much looking forward to what 2009 brings on many fronts. We appreciate respecting our privacy, as we are both eager to celebrate the holidays as a family.’

-- Diane Pucin