Lance Armstrong: The Legacy

13 thoughts on “Lance Armstrong: The Legacy”

1. Seriously? Is this about his battle with cancer, or maybe more about the possibility of him using illegal performance enhancements? I admit, I did not follow this story real close, since I’m not that ineterested in cycling and the whole sport (at least the professional side) seems to be one big swamp of drug usage anyway, but as far as I know, he’s stripped of his titles because he used PE and subsequently lied about it. This should not in any way take away from his battle against cancer which is (and IMHO will continue to be) an inspiration to many affected, but if he participates in an organized sport of whichever kind, he should be treated like anyone else participating. So, just “because” he’s a cancer survivor doesn’t mean he’s entitled or should be allowed to be handled any differently when it comes to PE substances. You cannot condemn and ban atheletes in other sports (track and field, baseball, whatever) for using these substances and then turn a blind eye when it comes to someone who has a different background with which you can more easily identify; that is, you can, but that would just be hypocritical.

2. @Lambi – Had you followed the Lance Armstrong story, you would know Lance played by the rules that were put in place by the UCI, WADA and USADA when he raced. Lance is the most tested athlete in history. In fact, the only physical evidence is the hundreds of controls Lance passed. He made himself available around the clock and around the world. In-competition. Out of competition. Blood. Urine. What is the point of all this testing if, in the end, USADA will not stand by it? The idea that athletes can be convicted today without positive A and B samples, under the same rules and procedures that apply to athletes with positive tests, perverts the system and creates a process where any begrudged ex-teammate can open a USADA case out of spite or for personal gain or a cheating cyclist can cut a deal for themselves. It’s an unfair approach, applied selectively, in opposition to all the rules. It’s just not right. Personally, I am disgusted by this!

3. So the USADA took the man who put the sport of cycling on the map in the US (Cycling participation is way up, and the Tour de France gets LIVE coverage now) and ran him out. I guess they had to have something to show for their grudge, even if it could well cripple the growth of the sport here.

   Our national hypocrisy over drugs is another rant, but Lance is still a hero to me.

4. To tell the truth while I belive something fishy was going on I don’t belive Lance was involved. Plus the USADA can’t remove the titles only the UCI can and since they were on Lance’s side there still hope he keeps his titles.

5. And I’m stunned by the chutzpah of Tygart’s “win-at-all-costs” accusation – It seems like here that the USADA is the entity that is dedicated to winning at all costs.

6. Sorry for the misspellings my keyboard keys are sticky.

7. @ Lambi:

   The problem is; HE HAS NEVER TESTED POSITIVE! Over 500+ tests.

8. I thought in this country – you are innocent until proven guilty – but in Lance’s case and has been for the last several years, he is guilty until proven innocent. Oh and by the way – passing over 500 tests should be enough to prove one’s innocence.

   Lets hope the UCI does the right thing and not strip the titles, but I am afraid because of some agreement between the USADA and UCI that the UCI has to obey the USADA decision.

9. No matter what anyone says, I will never give any credit to those who say Lance had to be doping. He is the most tested athlete ever and he never tested positive. His legacy, as a cancer survivor/advocate and the best cyclist ever, is intact.

10. In this country, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a the court of law, however in the court of public, one is guilty until proven innocent beyond all doubt. All it takes is for some knucklehead with an ax to grind to destroy someone’s name and reputation. The 500+ tests without even a false positive – that speaks volumes. USADA needs to show the world it’s “proof”, but that will not happen as USADA will contain themselves to the shadows.

    One thing is certain, Armstrong is great – great athlete or great cheat.

11. I agree with you Drew. It is a shame. He has inspired many and I watched him race every time.

12. Dear Drew,

    This should be a lesson. If you’re a big enough agency and they think you did it then Truth Be Damned. People wonder how Lance wouldn’t fight unless he was guilty. How long has he BEEN fighting? How long can you keep fighting something that you know is total B.S. before deciding its just not worth it anymore.

    Drew talked about how it was like McCarthyism. A good example. I think of it as nothing more than a Puratin “witch hunt”. If they hadn’t gotten him this time they would have continued. They don’t have time limit. I’m sure they would have hounded the man even once he had died. Now the Tour De France can brag once again that the greatest racer of their sport was a frenchman again (I believe his name was Eddie Meryxx) who won 6 tours in a row and boast that he won them cleanly (of course we’ll never know).

    Too many people say that Armstrong has lost face because of this. As far as I’m concerned the only people who should feel that they “lost face” is the Tour De France and the poeple running their doping scam.

    All the best

    Louis

13. Good Morning from Omaha,

    fighting the usada is like fighting the government. They seemingly have unlimited resources to file charges and do investigations. Like the government they will continue to run you down until either they find a charge that sticks or they run the defendant out of money to fight them. Lance never failed a drug test and yet the USADA still tried to hang something on him.

    I saw on ESPN that even if they strip lance of his seven Tour titles and award the wins to the second place finishers there is still going to be a problem as most of the finishers have been tainted by illegal substances.

    Lance is still a hero to the million who had never watched a bike race. He has the legions of supporters across the country and around the world.

    All those yellow wrist bands have taken his name beyond cycling and into the hearts of millions.Lance is probably going to get on with his life.

    Strive for excellence, nothing but your best.

    Gene