Lance Armstrong back in France to step up preparations for Tour de France

Armstrong in Europe to prepare for Tour de France

PARIS — Lance Armstrong has arrived in Europe to step up preparations for the Tour de France.

The seven-time Tour champion said on his Twitter site Tuesday it “is nice to be back in Nice.”

Armstrong often trains in the south of France, where he owns a house. He may compete in the Tour of Luxembourg from June 2-6, although race organizers couldn’t confirm his participation Tuesday.

There is also the possibility that Armstrong will ride in the Dauphine Libere from June 6-13 or the Tour of Switzerland from June 12-20.

Armstrong has had only a few race days this season. Last week, he withdrew from the Tour of California after a crash, which resulted in an injured left elbow and cut on his face.

The Tour de France starts on July 3.