Lance Armstrong fears he could be attacked by spectators if he returns to the Tour de France next year.

The seven-time Tour champion, who is making a comeback after three years in retirement, told the Guardian yesterday that he is concerned about his safety.

"I don't want to enter an unsafe situation but you see this stuff coming out of France," said the American rider. "There're some aggressive, angry emotions. If you believe what you read, my personal safety could be in jeopardy. Cycling is a sport of the open road and spectators are lining the road. I try to believe that people, even if they don't like me, will let the race unfold."

Asked specifically if he fears being physically attacked during next year's Tour, he said, "Yeah. There're directors of French teams that have encouraged people to take to the streets ... elbow to elbow. It's very emotional and tense."

It's unclear why Armstrong is worried about his safety now, given that attacks on riders are extremely rare. Organizers have taken steps to protect riders from the crowds, including increasing the use of crowd barriers. The Tour has its own police force to guard the route and ensure safety and French police paid particular attention to Armstrong's safety when he was riding.

Armstrong announced his comeback in September and joined the Astana team. He is reunited with Astana team leader Johan Bruyneel, who teamed with Armstrong for all seven Tour de France wins from 1999-2005. The American plans to meet with Tour officials before deciding whether compete in the 2009 Tour.

Previously, he had expressed doubts over whether he would try for another Tour title because of the problems he might encounter with French organizers, journalists and fans.

Armstrong is scheduled to race the Giro d'Italia for the first time from May 9-31. The Tour de France starts on July 4.

The 37-year-old Armstrong said that he is in better shape at this stage of the season than in past years.

"I'm much better physically now," he said at his home in Austin, Texas. "And mentally there is no comparison. I'm far stronger and more motivated. The motivation of 2008 feels like the motivation of 1999. I was back from cancer then. I had the motivation of vengeance because nobody wanted me or believed in me."

Armstrong reiterated his denials of the doping allegations that have dogged him during his career.

"I understand people in France and in cycling might have that perception but the reality is that there's nothing there," he said. "The level of scrutiny I've had throughout my career from the press and the anti-doping authorities is unmatched.

"To the critics, I would say, believe it or not, there are exceptional athletes out there. Michael Phelps ... Paula Radcliffe."

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily November 19, 2008)