ROME -- Austin cycling great Lance Armstrong has entered the Giro D'Italia for the first time.

Race organizers say Armstrong on Monday agreed to ride in the prestigious three-week stage race next year as part of his cycling comeback.

The Texan last month announced he's coming out of retirement -- with the goal of winning the Tour de France for an eighth time.

Armstrong has never competed in the Giro. His participation was announced by race organizers Monday.

The Giro is scheduled May 9-31. The Tour de France starts July 4.

Winning both the Giro and the Tour in the same year -- after more than three years away from the sport would be an unprecedented challenge -- for someone of Armstrong's age.

The 37-year-old is also a cancer survivor.

Armstrong has joined the Astana team, which also features Alberto Contador, the defending Giro champion.