ROME — Lance Armstrong has expressed doubts about racing in next year’s Tour de France.
The American, who agreed Monday to ride in next year’s Giro d’Italia, said in an interview published Tuesday that he may not go for an eighth Tour de France title after all.
“Everyone knows its importance, but the problems that I have with the organizers, journalists and fans could distract me from my mission — focusing the world’s attention on the battle against cancer,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong, 37, announced last month he is returning to cycling after three years in retirement.
The 100th anniversary edition of the Giro is scheduled for May 9-31. The Tour de France starts July 4.
Timberwolves’ Telfair suspended
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Sebastian Telfair was suspended for three games after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a weapon.
Telfair was sentenced last month to three years’ probation. He was arrested in April 2007 when police found him carrying a loaded gun in his car while he was a member of the Boston Celtics.
• The NBA and the Los Angeles sports and entertainment company AEG announced plans to help develop a $280 million arena and recreation center for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 — the first of a dozen multipurpose arenas the new joint venture hopes to build in China.
Former pitcher Kevin Foster dies
CHICAGO — Kevin Foster, who spent seven years in the majors pitching mostly for the Chicago Cubs, died of cancer Saturday in Oklahoma City. He was 39.
The right-hander finished with a career record of 32-30.
• Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder and is expected to be ready for the start of next season.
• Former slugger Jose Canseco was charged in federal court with a misdemeanor offense of trying to bring a fertility drug across the border from Mexico. A hearing was scheduled for Nov. 4.
• Third-base coach Bobby Meacham and special pitching instructor Rich Monteleone were fired by the New York Yankees.
• Paul Beeston returned to the Toronto Blue Jays as interim chief executive officer, and will work with outgoing president Paul Godfrey to hire a successor before the 2009 season.
Footnotes.
Padraig Harrington and Jim Furyk shot 2-under-par 68s and were tied for the lead after the first round of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Tucker’s Town, Bermuda.
• Curlin, the reigning horse of the year, is going to defend his title in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25.
• New York toughened its steroids policy for race horses, following the lead of the two other states that hold Triple Crown races.
• Arthur Blank, who owns two pro sports franchises in Atlanta, has submitted a bid for a Major League Soccer expansion franchise. He already owns the NFL’s Falcons and the Arena Football League’s Georgia Force.
Denver Post wire services
