Armstrong to return for Tour Down Under

The return of cycling superstar Lance Armstrong for next year's Tour Down Under will be a multi-million-dollar boon for South Australia, the state government says.

Armstrong's new cycling squad, Team Radio Shack, will make its debut at the 2010 Tour Down Under in Adelaide and environs from January 17-24.

The seven-time Tour de France champion will be the star rider of the new team.

SA Premier Mike Rann met Armstrong in Ireland on Wednesday, saying he was delighted with the cyclist's decision to return to Australia.

Armstrong made his comeback to professional cycling from retirement at the 2009 Tour Down Under.

"He really enjoyed his time in South Australia and has told me how much he appreciated the massive support he received," Mr Rann said in a statement.

Armstrong's participation helped attract an estimated 750,000 spectators to the 2009 Tour Down Under, which the government said helped inject $39 million into the state's economy.