Cyclists Are Said to Back Claims That Armstrong Doped

[Elmore Furth]

I thought for years he doped, so I'm biased. But the evidence is mounting. Better living through chemistry is not always the best lifestyle.

By JULIET MACUR and MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT
Published: August 4, 2010

Federal prosecutors have intensified their criminal investigation of the cyclist Lance Armstrong since the end of the Tour de France last month. They questioned many of his former associates, including cyclists who have supported and detailed claims that Armstrong and his former United States Postal Service team participated in systematic doping, according to a cyclist who has been interviewed and two others privy to the inquiry.

In May, Armstrong’s former teammate Floyd Landis shook the cycling world by publicly accusing Armstrong and other team members of using performance-enhancing drugs and blood transfusions to gain an unfair advantage. Landis said that Armstrong — the biggest name in the sport — had encouraged doping and that the team had sold its bikes to help finance an expensive doping program.

A former teammate of Armstrong said in a telephone interview Wednesday that he had spoken with investigators. He said he detailed some of his own drug use, as well as the widespread cheating that he said went on as part of the Postal Service team — all of which he said was done with Armstrong’s knowledge and encouragement.

Riders have been compelled to come forward. Tyler Hamilton, who is serving an eight-year ban for using performance-enhancing drugs, has met with the grand jury, those who have been briefed on the case said. His lawyer, Chris Manderson, said that Hamilton had received a grand jury subpoena but did not say whether Hamilton had already provided testimony.



Cyclists Are Said to Back Claims That Armstrong Doped

[Condem]

1. They're all being offered a deal, Elmore. Obviously.

Testify against Lance and we'll forgive those who sinned before.

[4lbs]

2. Yeah, sure he doped. And just when did he do it?

For about 7 years he was the most recognized name in cycling, with hundreds of reporters and cameras following him during the cycling season.

During the Tour de France, there's a rule where the yellow jersey wearer (the overall leader), and the day's stage winner, as well as one rider chosen randomly, are tested.

So, the 40+ times in 7 years that Lance wore the yellow jersey, he was tested during the Tour.

He's the most tested rider in cycling history, and yet not a single positive result.

As I said, when would he have been able to do it? During any cycling event, there's always people following him and his team around. The cameras are always on them. If he was doping, it would have easily been caught by now. There would be photographic evidence.

There is none. All this is just wishful thinking. Mainly by the idiot European press who hate that an American could dominate the sport for so long. Especially the French, who haven't even won their own event since Greg LeMond was forced to give up his own Tour win chances and help Bernard Hinault back in 1985.