The temptation of racing the world's best in North America could tempt Lance Armstrong to shift his focus slightly from the Tour de France next year.

The Texan's efforts over the last four years have been concentrated on the Tour and little else. But Armstrong, who is 31 today, says the 2003 World Championships in Hamilton, Canada will hold a unique attraction for him.

The US Postal Service rider, who has not competed at the World Championships since 1998, said: "The 2003 season could be unique for me as I might target a second great objective, that is to say the World Championships. But nothing is sure yet. I have not seen the route yet but I have heard that the race would be very difficult and selective."

Racing in Canada would allow American cycling fans unable to travel to Europe a rare opportunity to see their hero in action against the best in the world. "Taking part in that race on the American continent is a very exciting challenge for me," he said. "It also means next season could be long and I will have to work as a consequence."

The Tour is likely to remain the American's first priority but competing in Hamilton might go a little way to allaying some of his critics. They argue that Armstrong cannot be placed among the true greats – the likes of Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil, who also won other big races like the Giro d'Italia or the Vuelta a Espana – because he has given little attention to anything outside of the Tour.