Armstrong to ride last international race Down Under

Paris: Seven-times Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will make his final professional appearance on foreign soil at the Tour Down Under next year, organisers said.

"Lance Armstrong will compete in his last professional race on international soil at the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide," organisers said on their website. Armstrong, 39, said during this year`s Tour de France that he would not compete at the professional level away from the United States anymore. The Texan finished 23rd overall in his final Tour, a race he won from 1999-2005. "This is an amazing opportunity for cycling fans across the globe to head to Adelaide and be part of history as Lance competes in his farewell ride as a professional on international soil," Australian Prime minister Mike Rann said on the organisers` website. "Lance is a true hero of the sport and we are delighted he has chosen to compete again in South Australia and make his international farewell here." Armstrong said: "I`m excited to be competing in my last professional ride outside the US at the Santos Tour Down Under. "It will be my third time to the event, and I`m sure I will enjoy it as much as I have the first two times." The Tour Down Under runs from Jan 16-23. Bureau Report