Paris - The French Anti-doping Agency (AFLD) sprang a surprise out-of-competition doping test on seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong that included a sample of his hair, Armstrong said on his Twitter feed.

"Yet another "surprise" anti-doping control. 24th one. This one from the French authorities. Urine, blood, and hair! Classic," Armstrong wrote on the Twitter.

The AFLD confirmed the test on Wednesday, saying that Armstrong was subject to examinations like any other athlete.

Armstrong has been a target of the AFLD, and of French media, since he began his run as the most successful Tour de France racer of all time. After a three-year retirement, Armstrong is returning to the Tour this year to publicize the fight against cancer.

"So I'm clear - never complaining about these tests," Armstrong said on the Twitter. "Feel targeted? Of course. But anything to prove I'm clean. Onward."

Never popular with the French because of his style, which is seen here as aloof and arrogant, Armstrong has repeatedly denied charges that he used banned substances. (dpa)