Astana confident over Armstrong

Armstrong uncertain about recovery

Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel believes cycling legend Lance Armstrong will be fit in time to race in both the Tour De France and the Giro D'Italia.

The 37-year-old American broke his collarbone in Spain's Vuelta Castilla y Leon and is set to undergo surgery.

"I don't think this changes anything for the Tour de France," said Bruyneel.

The Tour starts on 4 July and Brunyeel also said that "it's perfectly possible" Armstrong will be fit to ride in the Giro, which begins on 9 May.

He added: "A broken collarbone in the month of March does not at all compromise the start of the Tour de France or your performance in the Tour de France."

606: DEBATE Fitness may be an issue with the Giro only seven weeks away behavedave

Armstrong was caught up in an incident about 12 miles from the finish in the Vuelta Castilla y Leon on the first stage of the five-day event.

He remained in Spain on Monday night before flying home to Texas where he will be assessed by a specialist.

"Sitting in the airport getting ready to fly home. Layover in NYC then ATX!" Armstrong wrote on his Twitter feed.