Lance Armstrong to ride in next month's 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo event

Armstrong will ride with George Hincapie, Christian Vande Velde and Dylan Casey, all of whom used to ride with the U.S. Postal Service team. Registration is full for the annual event, with 1,800 cyclists committed to ride either alone or in teams. 

Race organizer Todd Sadow said he's communicated with the group, and that they're excited to participate. The event is the largest of its kind in the world. 

"They're cyclists, as you know, and our event tends to attract that core of mountain biking enthusiasts," he said. "We're really excited to have them out there. We pride ourselves on having a good time, and I'm sure they'll find a way to have a good time with everybody out there."

Armstrong has been banned for life from competitive cycling since 2012 because of his involvement in a blood doping scandal, but continues to ride and train. The ban does not apply to events like 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo. The mountain biking event will take place Feb. 17-19 at Willow Springs Ranch north of Tucson.

Though the event is full, organizers are still seeking volunteers. Visit epicrides.com for more.