Armstrong injured, doubtful for Sydney

Double Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has fractured his vertebrae in an accident, his website announced on Wednesday, casting doubts over whether he will be fit for the Olympics.

The American has pulled out of two pre-Olympic races but intends to contest the Grand Prix des Nations time trial in France on September 16, before making a final decision about the Sydney Games.

Armstrong is among the favourites for the Olympic individual time trial on September 30. He will also compete in the road race.

Eight days ago he collided head-on with a car while training in Nice. X-rays at first cleared the Texan of injury, but he later complained of neck pains and was unable to turn his head.

Scans at a Monaco hospital this week confirmed a vertebrae between his neck and shoulder blades was fractured.