Armstrong fears he will be barred from Tour

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - Seven-times Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong said on Friday the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) could prevent him from riding in this year's race.

"There is a very high likelihood they will prohibit me from riding on the Tour," the 37-year-old American said in a video aired on his fight-against-cancer foundation's website (www.livestrong.com).

The AFLD said on Thursday Armstrong could face disciplinary action because he "did not respect the obligation to stay under (the) direct and permanent observation" of a drugs tester who came to his southern France residence last month.

Armstrong said he went to shower while Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel was checking the tester's credentials with the International Cycling Union (UCI).

"He (the tester) was odd, he was alone. He seemed suspicious," said Armstrong.

The Texan, who fought testicular cancer before coming back in 1998, was asked to provide urine, blood and hair samples when returning from a training ride around Beaulieu-sur-Mer last month.

Any sanction imposed on Armstrong would be valid on French territory only.

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