Lance Armstrong: Seven-time Tour de Fraud Winner?

Bob on 04 9, 2009

Did Lance Armstrong legitimately win seven Tour de Frances? Or is he just another fraud?

France’s anti-doping agency, AFLD, accused Lance Armstrong of violating its rules today, claiming that Armstrong didn’t fully cooperate with a drug tester. The agency states that Lance Armstrong may be sanctioned.

Doctors failed to find traces of performance enhancing drugs via hair, urine and blood tests. Conversely, the AFLD alleges the 7 time Tour de France winner violated its rules on testing procedure, stating “Armstrong did not respect the obligation to remain under the direct and permanent observation of the tester.”

This is an interesting accusation…Contrary to most; I’m not so quick to give Lance a free pass on this. Armstrong’s story is a great one, and he seems to be a respectable guy. Given his reputation, a number of people may hastily reject these accusations of violating the rules. Personally, I don’t care if you’re Lance Armstrong or anyone for that matter; if allegations like this are released, they must be scrupulously followed up on. I don’t have an exact percent, but I’ve been around the sporting world long enough to know that more often than not, accusations made public hold some weight.

Is it really that surprising allegations like this were released? I can’t be the only one who has looked at Lance’s accomplishments and thought ‘hmmm…’ I started to contemplate this more heavily following the A-Rod ordeal. I mean, considering Armstrong’s story and the obstacles he’s had to overcome, it’s hard to fathom he wasn’t aided by performance enhancing drugs.

I know these accusations are nothing more than finger-pointing at this point in time, but what if this develops into something more? Will Lance still be admired by many if found guilty of doping? Out of fairness to other athletes, I hope this gets looked into meticulously.