Lance Armstrong Banned for Life, Career Vacated
MADRID (AP) - The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency erased 14 years of Lance Armstrong's career Friday -- including his record seven Tour de France titles -- and banned him for life from the sport that made him a hero to millions of cancer survivors after concluding he used banned substances.
USADA said it expected cycling's governing body to take similar action, but the International Cycling Union was measured in its response, saying it first wanted a full explanation on why Armstrong should relinquish titles he won from 1999 through 2005. The Amaury Sport Organization that runs the world's most prestigious cycling race said it would not comment until hearing from USADA and the UCI. Armstrong, who retired a year ago, said Thursday that he would no longer challenge USADA. He denied again that he ever took banned substances in his career. Armstrong isn't going to keep a low profile, in the aftermath of today's decision. Armstrong tweeted Friday that he's still planning to ride tomorrow in a mountain bike race in Colorado, and run in a marathon on Sunday. The U.S. agency has said it expects the governing body of cycling to also wipe out Armstrong's victories and ban him, but the International Cycling Union says it wants an explanation of why Armstrong should have to give up those titles.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.