Lance is backpedaling.

We’re talking Armstrong, of course: the man who made a living on two wheels and millions of bright yellow bracelets.

The greatest current American athlete – this side of Tiger Woods – is returning to cycling in 2009, at least according to published reports.

Armstrong, 36, will compete in the Tour de France yet again. And shuttling across the Champs-Élysées, he will get to alienate the French too.

But why is he returning?

Lance does not have anything to improve: He won the 21-stage Tour a record seven times after beating cancer.

Plus, he does not need the money: His speaking engagement paychecks alone could sustain a small country’s economy.

He’s likely signing back up for the same reason that brought Michael, Magic and even Brett back into the limelight. After so many years of life on the big stage and a bit of time off of it, Lance has found himself wanting; thus, the all-too-familiar comeback.

Most, especially the French, will say that he can’t, he won’t win his unprecedented eighth Tour and don the yellow jersey in Paris.

That sounds like enough ammunition right there.

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