It is official.. Lance Armstrong will go for a 7th Tour victory in 2005, ending months of speculation that he might skip a year and try in 2006.

News sources all over the world have reported "Six-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will defend his title this summer at the prestigious cycling event."

Armstrong, confirmed today that his 2005 schedule will include an attempt for a record seventh Tour de France win.

"I am grateful for the opportunity that Discovery Communications has given the team and look forward to achieving my goal of a seventh Tour de France [victory]," Armstrong said in a statement posted on the Discovery Channel team website. "

Armstrong's 2005 season will begin with Paris Nice in early March.