The news that Lance Armstrong will make a comeback in Le Tour de France next year at the grand age of 36, got us delving into the sporting archives to pinpoint other memorable and disastrous returns. Our countdown starts with a very recognisable face from the world of boxing...

George Foreman

It's hard to imagine the now Christian Minister and successful creator of the Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine mixing it with Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier et al.

But back in the 60s and 70s, Foreman really was a lean, mean, punching machine and world champion to boot. After two thrashings of Frazier, a Rumble in the Jungle defeat to Ali and a shock reverse to Jimmy Young, he took a 10-year sabbatical during which he found God.

At the age of 38, in 1987, Foreman's return to the ring caused world-wide shock. He won four fights that year despite looking seriously over-weight. In 1988, he won nine bouts; in 89 and 90 it was five. A year later, aged 42, he fought the heavily-fancied Evander Holyfield for the world title and only lost on points.

The quest continued. He controversially lost to Tommy Morrison in a world title contest, but then knocked out Michael Moorer (left) to become, at 45, the oldest heavyweight champion ever.

Twice since then Foreman has threatened comebacks - the last of which when he was 50 - but on both occasions a fight failed to materialise.