Oct. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Lance Armstrong plans to compete in the Tour of California in May with his new Team RadioShack squad.

Armstrong and teammate Levi Leipheimer, the defending champion, will compete in the race. The riders and race organizers announced their plans through Twitter, a micro- blogging social Web site.

Armstrong, a seven-time winner of the Tour de France, finished seventh in last year’s California event.

The race will cover more than 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) and pass through 16 cities across the state from May 16 through 23. It’s the largest stage race in the U.S., according to organizers.

Armstrong’s time-trial bike was stolen from the team’s truck during this year’s Tour of California. Two men were arrested in connection with the theft.

Team RadioShack will make its debut at January’s Tour Down Under in Australia, race organizers said in August.

To contact the reporter on this story: Michael Buteau in Atlanta at mbuteau@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: October 22, 2009 13:06 EDT