AUSTIN, Texas—Lance Armstrong is ready to swear off the chips and salsa, climb back on the bike and win an eighth Tour de France.

Three years after retiring, the 36-year-old says he’ll return to competition and the Tour de France in 2009, giving up relaxed days of a few beers and Tex-Mex food for a self-described monk’s life of disciplined training and punishing races.

In a formal statement Armstrong called his comeback an attempt to raise global awareness in his fight against cancer. Just as likely, it’s also about his relentless desire to compete and win, especially a...

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