Matt Damon to star in Armstrong film?

• Friday, 12 June 2009
• Nigel Wynn
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Bourne Identity actor Matt Damon is the latest Hollywood star strongly rumoured to be playing Lance Armstrong in the Texan cyclist's long-awaited biopic

Although no one has signed on the line to play seven-times Tour de France winner Armstrong in the film, Damon's name has consistently cropped up in recent articles about the project.

The film has been in development for several years and is due to be based on Armstrong's first book, It's not about the bike, which covers his early life, cancer, recovery and first Tour de France win.

Although the book doesn't incorporate them, it's likely that the film will include all of Lance's subsequent Tour wins.

Brokeback Mountain actor Jake Gyllenhaal was originally linked with the role. Gyllenhaal was seen out riding with Armstrong on several occasions and the two struck up a friendship, but he is no longer in the frame to play the American cyclist.

Well respected Seabiscuit writer Gary Ross has been employed to pen the screenplay. No release date has been announced for the film.

Ross will have to keep an eye on this year's Tour de France, where Armstrong is bidding to win his eighth Tour de France adding a twist to the all-American fairy tale.

RELATED LINKS
Lance Armstrong: Rider Profile
Lance Armstrong: Exclusive interview (January 2009)
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