Cervelo were invited because they had Sastre, as defending champion, Hushovd, who is widely liked in France and always does well in the Tour, and they went to the Tour of Qatar, which is organised by ASO, and rode brilliantly. That sealed their place.
Armstrong's new team probably will get an invite but it's presumptuous of him to assume this. A lot could happen between now and next July too.
Cervelo were invited because they had Sastre, as defending champion, Hushovd, who is widely liked in France and always does well in the Tour, and they went to the Tour of Qatar, which is organised by ASO, and rode brilliantly. That sealed their place.
Armstrong's new team probably will get an invite but it's presumptuous of him to assume this. A lot could happen between now and next July too.