Washington, April 4 : Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong tries to return to competition by signing up for three swimming events not covered by the US Anti-Doping Agency rules.

Armstrong, banned for life by the USADA from its sanctioned events for his performance-enhancing drug use during his cycling career, intended to swim this weekend at the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships at the University of Texas, Xinhua reports.

The 41-year-old will compete in the 40-44 age group in the 500-, 1,000- and the 1,650-yard freestyle.

US Masters Swimming is not covered under the same drug testing rules of the US Anti-Doping Agency although the organisation has a divergence of opinion on whether they should start to do drug tests or ban athletes convicted of doping. (IANS)