Paris - Alberto Contador believes the return of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong to the saddle will prove a boon for the sport - and could have the advantage of taking the pressure off him.
Cancer survivor Armstrong will make his long-awaited comeback in Adelaide on Sunday in a 50km criterium as a prelude to the 2009 Tour Down Under in Australia following a three-year absence from the sport.
He will notably then face a double summer challenge of the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France as he seeks not just to compete anew at the top but also promote cancer awareness through his Livestrong foundation.
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"There are a number of advantages" in the American's return to racing, Contador told L'Equipe in an interview published on Friday.
'I have a lot of respect for this man' Contador, Tour de France champion in 2007, appeared wary at first, given that Armstrong will be a teammate in his Astana team.
But he told L'Equipe he was convinced the Texan would bring much to the table.
"He's a great champion who knows how to sell the sport as a person. His return brings with it a number of advantages - and not just the extent to which he will take the media spotlight off me. That may appear banal but for me it's a little extra calm for the season and a bit less pressure on when I go for the Tour."
Contador's comments were echoed by cycling chief Pat McQuaid.
"There's an enormous media interest surrounding his comeback. Armstrong brings positive publicity to our sport," the president of the International Cycling Union told German daily Die Welt.
'This guy is the best cyclist in the world' Contador also addressed the issue of the sharing out of team leadership responsibilities given that the two big names will be riding alongside each other once the Tour starts in Monaco on July 4.
"We have two distinct programmes with preparation for the Tour at their heart.
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