Lance Armstrong has revealed that he is "looking forward" to facing questions about doping on Oprah Winfrey's show on Thursday.

The 41-year-old American cyclist will reportedly admit to taking performance-enhancing drugs during the interview.

"I think Oprah understands the pressure of this interview,'' the Sunday Morning Herald quotes him as saying.

"She's clever. She's seen people questioning whether she will go deep.

"I've assured her that I want her to go deep with her questions, and I'm going to answer those questions openly, honestly and with full transparency. And, quite frankly, I'm looking forward to it.''

Armstrong is banned from cycling for life by the International Cycling Union.