BRUSSELS, Belgium — Cyclist Yaroslav Popovych rejoined Lance Armstrong on the Astana team today, hoping to create a winning combination at the Giro d' Italia.

Popovych was a support rider who helped Armstrong win his record seventh straight Tour de France in 2005. He will work again with Johan Bruyneel, the Astana team director who guided Armstrong during his Tour victories.

"When I heard that Yaroslav was free, I was immediately interested," Bruyneel said in a statement. "We will most likely count on him to support our leaders in the Giro and the Tour."

Armstrong, making a comeback after three years in retirement, hasn't decided whether he will try for an eighth Tour de France title in 2009. He has committed to racing in the Giro.

The 28-year-old Popovych won a Tour de France stage in 2006 and finished eighth overall in last year's race.

"It may have surprised people that I would go to a team that has a number of leaders," Popovych said. "However, Johan's organization is the perfect fit for me."

The Astana team also features Alberto Contador, the Giro and Spanish Vuelta winner this year, along with American veteran Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Kloeden of Germany.

Popovych's move follows a disappointing year with Silence-Lotto, where he was supposed to help Cadel Evans win the Tour's yellow jersey. The Australian finished second.

Popovych won the white jersey as the most promising rider in the Tour in 2005 and added two top-five finishes in the Giro. Despite such talent, the Ukrainian never made it as a leader on a team.

Contador won't race in the Giro and may miss the Spanish Vuelta to focus on winning his second Tour de France.