Rome - Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has said that he is not yet certain that he will be competing in next year's race.

The American, who last month announced that he was coming out of retirement to resume racing, is quoted in Tuesday's edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport as saying that: "Presently there are doubts concerning the Tour."

He said that everybody knew of the importance of the Tour, but because of problems with organizers, journalists and fans, he could be side-tracked from his mission.

The cancer survivor said that his mission was to draw attention to the fight against cancer.

However, he pointed out that he was very keen to compete in next year's Tour as a rider for the Astana team.

"I hope that there is a diplomatic and peaceful solution," he told the sports newspaper.

Armstrong said that he had informed Tour organizers before announcing that he was staging a comeback, but had not received an answer. He does not think that he will not be invited to participate in the race.

"Everything is possible, but I believe it is unlikely. That would be like scoring an own goal," he said.

"I want to be in Paris, but in a relaxed atmosphere."

The 37-year-old will be racing in the Giro d'Italia before the start of the Tour, but said that he does not simply regard it as training.

"I will be racing in the Giro to win. One of the reasons why I will go into the Giro looking for a win is that it could be my only race over three weeks," he said.