Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong has confirmed that he will take part in a charity ride over part of the Tour de France route ahead of this year's race.

Former England footballer Geoff Thomas and a team of amateur cyclists are aiming to complete the course to raise £1m for Cure Leukaemia, riding each stage of the Grand Tour the day before the professionals.

Thomas, who is also a cancer survivor, told BBC Sport: "We know Lance's involvement has split opinion, so we've tried to be as respectful as possible. The stages Lance will be riding come towards the end of week two, when I know all the riders will need some support.

"I know his arrival will give them the encouragement they will need to carry on with this gruelling challenge and in turn raise as much money as possible for blood cancer patients."

Armstrong recovered from testicular cancer to win Le Tour seven times, only to be stripped of his titles after admitting to using performance-enhancing substances.