Anti-drugs chief: Armstrong should not ambush route by taking part in ex-Wolves star's ride

Leukaemia survivor and fundraiser Thomas has asked Armstrong to join him when he rides the route of the famous race this summer.

Armstrong's involvement has sparked anger among cycling bosses, with Union Cycliste Internationale president Brian Cookson saying it was 'inappropriate'.

And now David Howman, director-general of the World Anti-Doping Agency, has criticised the move.

Thomas is bidding to raise £1million for Cure Leukaemia from the ride, called Le Tour - One Day Ahead.

But Mr Howman said: "It's disappointing Armstrong should take centre stage in an event which he cheated in so often.

"He's welcome to try to save lives. I don't think he should be ambush marketing an event which is far superior to what he is doing."

Mr Howman also said he was 'cynical' about reports that Armstrong had met Travis Tygart, chief executive of US anti-doping agency Usada, in an attempt to reduce his ban.

He said: "Armstrong was banned in 2012 and we are now in 2015.

"If he had information that he felt was going to lead to a reduction on his ban, surely he would have provided it by now?

"What's stimulating him to come forward now? I don't know. What he has said to the Cycling Independent Reform Commission was insufficient to lead to a reduction.

"I'm just a little cynical."

Thomas recently defended his plans to ride the route with Armstrong.

The event will see Thomas joined by 20 cyclists riding the Tour de France route one day ahead of the professionals, with the aim of raising money for Cure Leukaemia.

Thomas was given just three months to live in 2003 but having survived the disease has gone on to raise millions for charity.

Ex-England international Thomas said he understood why people might find it hard to accept Armstrong's support – but he said the disgraced cyclist and fellow cancer survivor had played an important role in his life at a 'critical' time.

He added: "I understand that some people will find it hard to accept Armstrong's support but my take is a simple one: If Armstrong's involvement in Le Tour – One Day Ahead and my goal to raise £1 million for blood cancer can help save one more life then surely that can only be a good thing."

Armstrong was stripped of his record seven Tour titles and banned from most organised sport for life.

He later admitted on US television that he had used performance-enhancing drugs during all of his Tour victories.

Mr Cookson and Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford have condemned the plans.

Cookson said taking part would be 'completely disrespectful' to the current riders, cycling authorities and the Tour de France.