Armstrong finds a new sponsor

BOURG-SAINT-MAURICE, FRANCE — Lance Armstrong says he has found a new American sponsor to back Astana next year. He won’t say if he will stay with the team or start his own squad.

“Making a very cool announcement on Thursday re: a new American partner for our team in 2010 (and beyond). Stay tuned!” Armstrong said on his Twitter feed Tuesday, without elaborating.

The seven-time Tour de France champion returned to competition this year after 3 1/2 years of retirement, and has previously hinted he could ride for another season, including a return to the Tour.

Armstrong told the Associated Press by phone after Tuesday’s 16th stage he was leaning toward riding in next year’s Tour.

“There’s a pretty good chance I’ll be there,” Armstrong said.

He wouldn’t say whether he would quit Astana, which has been hampered by serious financial problems this year.

In an e-mail to the Associated Press on Tuesday, Armstrong’s manager Mark Higgins wrote that he will ride “for sure” in the 2010 Tour.