Must be a slow news day or maybe someone has Sept 19th confused with April 1st.

http://boulderreport.bicycling.com/

In a short report in the Sydney Morning Herald, longtime cycling journalist Rupert Guinness writes that Armstrong and former UCI chief Hein Verbruggen are involved in a group which wants to buy not just the Tour de France, but the entire Amaury Sports Organization. Guinness cites no named sources, but the report includes several details which would indicate inside knowledge of the proposed deal.

If in doubt about winning your 8th Tour ( re just getting an invite to ride the race) then simply buy the promoting company :)