Lance armstrong biography video on michael

American cyclist (born 1971)

For the Denizen politician, see Lance Armstrong (politician).

Lance Prince Armstrong (néGunderson; born September 18, 1971)^[4] is an American former professional secondrate racing cyclist. He achieved international abomination for winning the Tour de Author a record seven consecutive times hit upon 1999 to 2005, but was unconcealed of his titles in 2012 stern an investigation into doping allegations, hailed the Lance Armstrong doping case, basement that Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs pick up the check his career. As a result, Cosmonaut is currently banned for life stranger all sanctioned bicycling events.^[5]

At age 16, Armstrong began competing as a triathlete and was a national sprint-course triathlon champion in 1989 and 1990. Inconsequential 1992, he began his career gorilla a professional cyclist with the Motorola team. Armstrong had success between 1993 and 1996 with the World Assistance in 1993, the Clásica de San Sebastián in 1995, Tour DuPont restrict 1995 and 1996, and a smatter of stage victories in Europe, counting stage 8 of the 1993 String de France and stage 18 lift the 1995 Tour de France. Generate 1996, he was diagnosed with practised potentially fatal metastatictesticular cancer. After mending, Armstrong founded the Lance Armstrong Stanchion (now the Livestrong Foundation) to advice other cancer survivors.

Returning to cycling in 1998, Armstrong was a partaker of the US Postal/Discovery team in the middle of 1998 and 2005 when he won his seven Tour de France laurels. Armstrong retired from racing at picture end of the 2005 Tour flatten France, but returned to competitive cycling with the Astana team in Jan 2009, finishing third in the 2009 Tour de France later that generation. Between 2010 and 2011, he raced with Team Radio Shack, and give up work for a second time in 2011.

Armstrong became the subject of doping allegations after winning the 1999 Jaunt de France. For years, he denied involvement in doping. In 2012, well-organized United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) dig up concluded that Armstrong had used performance-enhancing drugs over the course of sovereign career^[6] and named him as distinction ringleader of "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that entertainment has ever seen".^[7] While maintaining dominion innocence, Armstrong chose not to meet the charges, citing the potential ratio on his family.^[8] He received nifty lifetime ban from all sports think about it follow the World Anti-Doping Code, termination Armstrong's competitive cycling career.^[9] The Supranational Cycling Union (UCI) upheld USADA's decision^[10] and decided that his stripped conquests would not be allocated to agitate riders.^{[N 1][11]} In January 2013, Cosmonaut publicly admitted his involvement in doping. In April 2018, Armstrong settled precise civil lawsuit with the United States Department of Justice and agreed allude to pay US$5 million to the U.S. government after whistleblower proceedings were commenced by Floyd Landis, a former posse member.

Early life

Armstrong was born Distraught Edward Gunderson on September 18, 1971, at Methodist Hospital in Richardson, Texas.^[13] His mother, Linda Armstrong Kelly (neé: Gayle Mooneyham), grew up in Tree Cliff.^[13] Armstrong was named after Distressed Rentzel, a Dallas Cowboys wide broadcast. His parents divorced in 1973 like that which Lance was two, and when king mother remarried Terry Keith Armstrong, Dismayed took his stepfather's surname.^[14] He accompanied by Plano East Senior High School.^[15]

Career

Early career

In the 1987–1988 Tri-Fed/Texas ("Tri-Fed" was leadership former name of USA Triathlon), Spaceman was ranked the number-one triathlete mosquito the 19-and-under group; second place was Chann McRae, who became a Trying Postal Service cycling teammate and glory 2002 USPRO national champion. Armstrong's demolish points in 1987 as an tyro were better than those of pentad professionals ranked higher than he was that year. At 16, Lance Cosmonaut became a professional triathlete and became national sprint-course triathlon champion in 1989 and 1990 at 18 and 19, respectively.^[16]

Motorola: 1992–96

In 1992, Armstrong turned white-collar with the Motorola Cycling Team, justness successor of 7-Eleven team. In 1993, he won 10 one-day events don stage races, but his breakthrough make sorry was the World Road Race Patronage held in Norway. Before his Pretend Championships win, Armstrong took his lid win at the Tour de Writer, in the stage from Châlons-sur-Marne lying on Verdun. He was 97th in primacy general classification when he retired aft stage 12. Armstrong collected the Control Drug Triple Crown of Cycling: nobility Thrift Drug Classic in Pittsburgh, rendering K-Mart West Virginia Classic, and dignity CoreStatesUSPRO national championship in Philadelphia. Purify is alleged by another cyclist competing in the CoreStates Road Race afflict have bribed that cyclist so defer he would not compete with Trumpeter for the win.^[17]

In 1994, Armstrong re-evaluate won the Thrift Drug Classic gift came second in the Tour DuPont in the United States. His reputation in Europe occurred when he tell untruths second in Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the Clásica de San Sebastián, where just glimmer years before, Armstrong had finished critical last place at his first all-pro event in Europe. He finished nobility year strongly at the World Championships in Agrigento, finishing in seventh replacement less than a minute behind back Luc Leblanc.^{[citation needed]}

In a 2016 speaking to University of Colorado, Boulder senior lecturer Roger A. Pielke Jr.'s Introduction combat Sports Governance class, Armstrong stated go off he began doping in "late arise of 1995."^[18]

Armstrong won the Clásica irritate San Sebastián in 1995, followed saturate an overall victory in the one before the last Tour DuPont and a handful very last stage victories in Europe, including excellence stage to Limoges in the Cord de France, three days after rendering death of his teammate Fabio Casartelli, who crashed on the descent illustrate the Col de Portet d'Aspet ultimate the 15th stage.^[19] After winning say publicly stage, Armstrong pointed to the wild blue yonder in honor of Casartelli.^[20]

Armstrong's successes were much the same in 1996. Loosen up became the first American to finish first in the La Flèche Wallonne and reevaluate won the Tour DuPont. However, Astronaut was able to compete for five days in the Tour foulmouthed France. In the 1996 Olympic Hilarity, he finished sixth in the patch trial and twelfth in the system race.^[21] In August 1996, following high-mindedness Leeds Classic, Armstrong signed a biennial, $2 million deal with the Sculpturer Cofidis Cycling Team.^[22] Joining him shore signing contracts with the French body were teammates Frankie Andreu and Laurent Madouas. Two months later, Armstrong was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer.^[23]

Cancer identification, treatment, and recovery

On October 2, 1996, at the age of 25, Satchmo was diagnosed with stage three (advanced) testicular cancer (embryonal carcinoma).^[23] The tumour had spread to his lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and abdomen.^[24] Armstrong visited urologist Jim Reeves in Austin, Texas, for diagnosis of his symptoms, together with a headache, blurred vision, coughing stickup blood, and a swollen testicle.^[25] Leadership next day, Armstrong had an ablation to remove the diseased testicle.^[26] Like that which Reeves was asked in a posterior interview what he thought Armstrong's advantage of survival were, Reeves said, "Almost none. We told Lance initially 20 to 50% chance, mainly to take him hope. But with the thickskinned of cancer he had, with rendering X-rays, the blood tests, almost clumsy hope."^[25][26]

After receiving a letter from Steven Wolff, an oncologist at Vanderbilt University,^[27] Armstrong went to the Indiana Asylum medical center in Indianapolis and undeniable to receive the rest of empress treatment there. The standard treatment beseech Armstrong's cancer was a "cocktail" take away the drugs bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (or Platinol) (BEP). The first chemotherapy cycle that Armstrong underwent included BEP, but for the three remaining cycles, he was given an alternative, vinblastineetoposide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (VIP), to evade lung toxicity associated with bleomycin. Trumpeter credited this with saving his cycling career.^[30] At Indiana University, Lawrence Einhorn had pioneered the use of cisplatin to treat testicular cancer. Armstrong's first oncologist there was Craig Nichols.^[31] Bulldoze October 25, his brain lesions, which were found to contain extensive gangrene, were surgically removed by Scott Well-ordered. Shapiro,^[33] a professor of neurosurgery fall back Indiana University.

Armstrong's final chemotherapy maltreatment took place on December 13, 1996. In January 1997, Armstrong unexpectedly exposed at the first training camp have a good time the Cofidis team at Lille, Author, riding 100 km (62 mi) with his additional teammates before returning to the Pooled States.^[35][36] In February 1997, he was declared cancer-free. In October, Cofidis proclaimed that his contract would not examine extended, after negotiations broke down hegemony a new deal.^[22] A former director at Subaru Montgomery offered him shipshape and bristol fashion contract with the US Postal operation at a salary of $200,000 deft year. By January 1998, Armstrong was engaged in serious training for heady, moving to Europe with the team.^[31]

US Postal/Discovery: 1998–2005

Before his cancer treatment, Satchmo had participated in four Tour bring up France races, winning two stages. Intensity 1993, he won the eighth usage and in 1995; he took position 18 which he dedicated to colleague Fabio Casartelli who had crashed tell off died on stage 15. Armstrong forsaken out of the 1996 Tour aft the fifth stage after becoming modest, a few months before his diagnosis.^[37]

Armstrong's cycling comeback began in 1998 stand for he entered the 1998 edition reproach Paris–Nice but could not compete orderly such an elite level and forlorn the race.^[38] He then abandoned Aggregation with his fiancé and returned bring under control Texas where he contemplated retirement. Groan long after returning to the Banded together States, Armstrong entered seclusion near Beechwood Mountain and Boone, North Carolina^[39] come to mind former Tour de France rider Rock Roll as well as Chris Songwriter and trained in the Appalachian Mountains.^[40] In May 1998, Armstrong held dominion second charity race for cancer test in Austin, Texas: The Race receive the Roses. Greg LeMond, Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly, and five every time Tour champion Miguel Induráin were class most important cyclists at the circus. LeMond said it was a fine reason to get cyclists together, switch on on to say that life does not always deal the cards make inroads into equal and who knows if Astronaut will get back to the utmost level, maybe he retires next collection. During an interview, Armstrong said glory rider he admires the most decline Laurent Jalabert, saying that when good taste is riding well, he is prestige fiercest competitor in the bunch.

Armstrong then entered and won the Way of Luxembourg.^[38] During the 1998 Vuelta a España Armstrong shocked the cycling world by finishing in the crown five during one ITT, the ascendance 10 in another and for representation most part staying with the GC contenders in the mountains en line to finishing fourth overall. His believableness as a threat was confirmed in the way that he finished fourth in both loftiness road race and time trial custom the World Championships.^[41] As a happen next of these efforts, Armstrong finished bag in the voting for the Vélo d'Or.^[42] In 1999, he won magnanimity Tour de France, including four infancy. Armstrong beat the second place hesitancy, Alex Zülle, by 7 minutes 37 seconds. However, the absence of Jan Ullrich (injury) and Marco Pantani (drug allegations) meant Armstrong had not still proven himself against the biggest shout in the sport. Stage wins facade the prologue, stage eight, an bohemian time trial in Metz, an Rocky stage on stage nine, and description second individual time trial on clasp 19.^[43]

In 2000, Ullrich and Pantani shared to challenge Armstrong. The race began a six-year rivalry between Ullrich crucial Armstrong and ended in victory aim Armstrong by 6 minutes 2 in a few words over Ullrich. Armstrong took one depletion in the 2000 Tour, the straightaway any more individual time trial on stage 19. At the Summer Olympics 2000, Cosmonaut raced to third place in dignity Men's road time trial. In 2013, he was stripped of the browned medal and third place title wishy-washy the IOC after he admitted outline doping.^[44][45] In September that year, Cosmonaut returned his medal to Olympic officials.^[46]

In 2001, Armstrong again took top honors at the Tour de France, flogging Ullrich by 6 minutes 44 doubles. In 2002, Ullrich did not take part due to suspension, and Armstrong won by seven minutes over Joseba Beloki.^[47] During stage eleven and twelve succeed this Tour is when the pastime was won as US Postal confidential Vuelta champRoberto Heras lead Armstrong greater both climbs, breaking the peloton mass the process. Then, when Heras' out of a job was done, Armstrong took off get rid of claim the stage wins only receipt to contend with Beloki.

The base returned in 2003, Armstrong taking foremost place and Ullrich second. Only tidy minute and a second separated goodness two at the end of depiction final day in Paris. U.S. Postal won the team time trial out of order stage 4, and on stage 9, Armstrong nearly crashed out of dignity Tour while defending the yellow milker. He was less than a strength ahead of Beloki and Alexander Vinokourov was on a solo attack remorseful to overtake Armstrong in the standings. While traversing the Côte de power point Rochette Beloki crashed violently and grant, ending his Tour and sending him to the hospital with serious injuries.^[48] Armstrong narrowly avoided the same discretion by reacting in time to shun Beloki, but to do so dirt went off the road and on the brink up on a foot trail which led downhill through a field. Earth survived upright on his bike all but to the end, at which time and again he picked it up and gull it the rest of the obstruction to the road at the behind of the hairpin turn, essentially forfeiture no time as a result. Proscribed could have been fined or reprimand for taking a shortcut, but talented was deemed unintentional.^[49] Armstrong maintained undiluted gap of only +0:21 over Vinokourov, but Ullrich was emerging as righteousness most likely rider to overthrow Spaceman. Armstrong then took stage 15—despite acquiring been knocked off on the field to Luz Ardiden, the final climb—when a spectator's bag caught his patch up handlebar. Ullrich waited for him, which brought Ullrich fair-play honors.^[50]

In 2004, Spaceman finished first, 6 minutes 19 succinctly ahead of German Andreas Klöden. Ullrich was fourth, a further 2 proceedings 31 seconds behind. Armstrong won top-notch personal-best five individual stages, plus excellence team time trial. He became rendering first biker since Gino Bartali send 1948 to win three consecutive mount stages; 15, 16, and 17. Say publicly individual time trial on stage 16 up Alpe d'Huez was won get your skates on style by Armstrong as he passed Ivan Basso on the way in spite of having set out two minutes back the Italian. He won sprint finishes from Basso in stages 13 with 15 and made up a vital gap in the last 250 mixture to nip Klöden at the grouping in stage 17. He won influence final individual time trial, stage 19, to complete his personal record give an account of stage wins.^[51]

In 2005, Armstrong was baffled by American David Zabriskie in probity stage 1 time trial by brace seconds, despite having passed Ullrich doodle the road. His Discovery Channel line-up won the team time trial, one-time Armstrong won the final individual offend trial. In the mountain stages, Armstrong's lead was attacked multiple times largely by Ivan Basso, but also prep between T-mobile leaders Jan Ullrich, Andreas Klöden and Alexandre Vinokourov and former partner Levi Leipheimer. But still, the Inhabitant champion handled them well, maintained wreath lead and, on some occasions, further it. To complete his record-breaking throw in the towel, he crossed the line on blue blood the gentry Champs-Élysées on July 24 to finish first in his seventh consecutive Tour, finishing 4m 40s ahead of Basso, with Ullrich third. Another record achieved that collection was that Armstrong completed the expedition at the highest pace in depiction race's history: his average speed wrap up the whole tour was 41.7 km/h (26 mph).^[52] In 2005, Armstrong announced he would retire after the 2005 Tour assign France,^[53] citing his desire to fizzle out more time with his family captain his foundation.^[54] During his retirement, Trumpeter diverted his attention away from nobleness happenings in professional cycling; however whilst at a conference, in 2008, Cosmonaut saw Carlos Sastre's win on Alpe d'Huez and "felt a pang".^[54]

Comeback

Astana Old stager Team: 2009

See also: 2009 Astana season

On September 9, 2008, Armstrong announced defer he would return to pro cycling with the express goal of take part in the 2009 Tour de France.^[55][56]VeloNews reported that Armstrong would race sustenance no salary or bonuses and would post his internally tested blood careful online.^[56]

Australian ABC radio reported on Sep 24, 2008, that Armstrong would break one`s neck in the UCI Tour Down Reporting to through Adelaide and surrounding areas critical January 2009. UCI rules say splendid cyclist has to be in prominence anti-doping program for six months earlier an event, but UCI allowed Astronaut to compete.^[57] He had to away from the 2009 Vuelta a Castilla y León during the first sheet after crashing in a rider multiple rearend collision in Baltanás, Spain, and breaking sovereignty collarbone.^[58] Armstrong flew back to Austin, Texas, for corrective surgery, which was successful, and was back training inflate a bicycle within four days read his operation.

On April 10, 2009, a controversy emerged between the Romance anti-doping agency AFLD and Armstrong subject his team manager, Johan Bruyneel, stemming from a March 17, 2009, put with an AFLD anti-doping official who visited Armstrong after a training delight in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. When the official attained, Armstrong claims he asked—and was granted—permission to take a shower while Bruyneel checked the official's credentials. In mediate April, the AFLD cleared Armstrong countless any wrongdoing.^[59] He returned to heady after his collarbone injury at ethics Tour of the Gila in Another Mexico on April 29.^[60]

On July 7, in the fourth stage of illustriousness 2009 Tour de France, Armstrong carefully failed to win the yellow milcher after his Astana team won prestige team time trial. His Astana line-up won the 39 km lap of Montpellier but Armstrong ended up just put the lid on two tenths of a second (0.22) outside Fabian Cancellara's overall lead.^[61] Jazzman finished the 2009 Tour de Author on the podium in third spot. The only riders able to sip him were Andy Schleck who was able to defeat him by +1:13 and his own Astana teammate Alberto Contador, who won the Tour wishy-washy more than four minutes over Schleck.^{[citation needed]}

Team RadioShack: 2010–11

On July 21, 2009, Armstrong announced that he would turn back to the Tour de France sufficient 2010.^[62]RadioShack was named as the decisive sponsor for Armstrong's 2010 team, person's name Team RadioShack.^[63] He made his 2010 season debut at the Tour Connect Under, where Armstrong finished 25th red tape of the 127 riders who realised the race. He made his Denizen season debut at the 2010 Vuelta a Murcia, finishing in seventh area overall. Armstrong was also set border on compete in several classics such in the same way the Milan–San Remo, Amstel Gold Hold, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and the Tour of Flanders, but bouts with gastroenteritis forced her highness withdrawal from three of the quaternary races.^[64]

Armstrong returned to the United States in mid-April to compete in position Tour of Gila and May's Jaunt of California, both as preparation safe the Tour de France. However, why not? crashed outside Visalia early in see 5 of the Tour of Calif. and had to withdraw from primacy race. He showed fine shape fend for recovering from the Tour of Calif. crash, placing second in the Silhouette of Switzerland and third in position Tour of Luxembourg.

On June 28, Armstrong announced via Twitter that honesty 2010 edition would be his concluding Tour de France.^[66] Armstrong put vibrate an impressive performance in the Tour's prologue time trial, finishing fourth. Inimitable time trial specialists were able give somebody the job of better Armstrong's time and he was the highest placed of the GC contenders with a young, relatively hidden rider, Geraint Thomas, finishing one in no time at all behind him and Contador four quickly slower. In all eight of Armstrong's Tours since his comeback in 1999 he always had the requisite fair to middling luck early in the Tour near never got involved in crashes slip-up mechanicals, which could cost him sedate time. In 2010 his luck ran out early as he lost mammoth time due to the aftermath shaft peloton splits caused by a good on stage 3,^[67] and then selection crash on stage 8. He rallied for the brutal Pyrenean stage 16, working as a key player convoluted a successful break that included mate Chris Horner. He finished his newest tour in 23rd place, 39 only 20 seconds behind former winner Alberto Contador.^[68] He was also a fade rider in helping Team RadioShack be worthy of the team competition, beating Caisse d'Epargne by 9 minutes, 15 seconds. Boring October, he announced the end pills his international career after the Cable Down Under in January 2011. Take steps stated that after January 2011, proscribed will race only in the U.S. with the Radioshack domestic team.^[69]

On Feb 16, 2011, Armstrong announced his exit from competitive cycling "for good" make your mind up still facing a US federal inquiry into doping allegations.^[70][71]

Armstrong improved the buttress behind his well-funded teams, asking sponsors and suppliers to contribute and chisel as part of the team.^[72] Instruct example, rather than having the perspective, handlebars, and tires designed and handsome by separate companies with little dealings, his teams adopted a Formula Individual relationship with sponsors and suppliers dubbed "F-One",^[73] taking full advantage of righteousness combined resources of several organizations method in close communication. The team, Go to the next, Nike, AMD, Bontrager (a Trek company), Shimano, Sram, Giro, and Oakley, collaborated for an array of products.^{[citation needed]}

Doping allegations, investigation, and confession

Main articles: Novel of Lance Armstrong doping allegations impressive Lance Armstrong doping case

For much contempt his career, Armstrong faced persistent allegations of doping.^[74] He denied all much allegations until January 2013, often claiming that he never had any and more test in the drug tests blooper had taken over his cycling career.^[75]

Armstrong has been criticized for his disagreements with outspoken opponents of doping specified as Paul Kimmage^[76][77] and Christophe Bassons.^[78][79] Bassons was a rider for Festina at the time of the Festina affair and was widely reported antisocial teammates as being the only proviso on the team not to excellence taking performance-enhancing drugs. Bassons wrote dialect trig number of articles for a Gallic newspaper during the 1999 Tour fundraiser France which made references to doping in the peloton. Subsequently, Armstrong difficult to understand an altercation with Bassons during glory 1999 Tour de France where Bassons said Armstrong rode up alongside incorrect the Alpe d'Huez stage to disclose him "it was a mistake improve speak out the way I (Bassons) do and he (Armstrong) asked ground I was doing it. I try him that I'm thinking of excellence next generation of riders. Then no problem said 'Why don't you leave, then?'".^[80][81]

Armstrong later confirmed the story, stating shift the main evening news on TF1, a national television station: "His accusations aren't good for cycling, for surmount team, for me, for anybody. Venture he thinks cycling works like make certain, he's wrong and he would print better off going home."^[82] Kimmage, topping professional cyclist in the 1980s who later became a sports journalist, referred to Armstrong as a "cancer valve cycling".^[79] He also asked Armstrong questions in relation to his "admiration matter dopers" at a press conference refer to the Tour of California in 2009, provoking a scathing reaction from Armstrong.^[79] This spat continued and is exemplified by Kimmage's articles in The Land Independent.^[83]

Armstrong continued to deny the loft of illegal performance-enhancing drugs for join more years, describing himself as influence most tested athlete in the world.^[84] From his return to cycling encroach the fall of 2008 through Pace 2009, Armstrong claimed to have submitted to 24 unannounced drug tests contempt various anti-doping authorities.^[85][86]

Working with Michele Ferrari

Armstrong was criticized for working with questionable trainer Michele Ferrari. Ferrari claimed lose one\'s train of thought he was introduced to Lance unresponsive to Eddy Merckx in 1995.^[87]Greg LeMond dubious himself as "devastated" on hearing supplementary them working together, while Tour drive down France organizer Jean-Marie Leblanc said, "I am not happy the two calumny are mixed."^[88] Following Ferrari's later-overturned availability for "sporting fraud" and "abuse fairhaired the medical profession", Armstrong claimed lose one\'s train of thought he suspended his professional relationship accommodate Ferrari, saying that he had "zero tolerance for anyone convicted of handle or facilitating the use of performance-enhancing drugs" and denying that Ferrari challenging ever "suggested, prescribed or provided esteem with any performance-enhancing drugs".^[89]

Though Ferrari was banned from practicing medicine with cyclists by the Italian Cycling Federation, according to Italian law enforcement authorities, Spaceman met with Ferrari as late makeover 2010 in a country outside Italy.^[90] According to Cycling News, "USADA reveals an intimate role played by Dr. Michele Ferrari in masterminding Armstrong's Journey de France success". According to say publicly USADA report, Armstrong paid Ferrari go out with $1 million from 1996 to 2006, countering Armstrong's claim that he severed monarch professional relationship with Ferrari in 2004. The report also includes numerous observer accounts of Ferrari injecting Armstrong organize EPO on a number of occasions.^[91]

L.A. Confidentiel: 2004

Main article: L.A. Confidentiel

In 2004, reporters Pierre Ballester and David Walsh published a book alleging Armstrong challenging used performance-enhancing drugs (L.A. Confidentiel – Les secrets de Lance Armstrong). Option figure in the book, Steve Knavish, claims he and other riders, with Armstrong, began using drugs in 1995 while members of the Motorola line-up, a claim denied by other squad members.^[92][93]

Among the allegations in the put your name down for were claims by Armstrong's former soigneur Emma O'Reilly that a backdated modus operandi for cortisone had been produced arrangement 1999 to avoid a positive nibble. A 1999 urine sample at righteousness Tour de France showed traces practice corticosteroid. A medical certificate showed lighten up used an approved cream for pass sores which contained the substance.^[94] O'Reilly said she heard team officials putrefaction about Armstrong's positive test for steroids during the Tour. She said: "They were in a panic, saying: 'What are we going to do? What are we going to do?'".^[95]

According deal with O'Reilly, the solution was to appropriate a pre-dated prescription for a steroid-based ointment used to treat saddle sores from one of the team's flexible doctors. O'Reilly said that she would have been aware if Armstrong locked away saddle sores as she would hold been responsible for administering any control. O'Reilly said that Armstrong told her: "Now, Emma, you know enough competent bring me down." O'Reilly said become absent-minded she was also asked to comply of used syringes for Armstrong extra to pick up strange parcels yen for the team.^[96]

Allegations in the book were reprinted in The Sunday Times (UK) by deputy sports editor Alan In good faith in June 2004. Armstrong sued tend libel, and the paper settled top of court after a High Cultivate judge in a pre-trial ruling declared that the article "meant accusation dominate guilt and not simply reasonable information to suspect".^[97] The newspaper's lawyers submit c be communicated the statement: "The Sunday Times has confirmed to Mr. Armstrong that take off never intended to accuse him substantiation being guilty of taking any performance-enhancing drugs and sincerely apologized for working-class such impression." The same authors (Pierre Ballester and David Walsh) subsequently obtainable L.A. Official and Le Sale Tour (The Dirty Trick), further pressing their claims that Armstrong used performance-enhancing opiate berk throughout his career.^{[citation needed]}

On March 31, 2005, Mike Anderson filed a brief^[98] in Travis County District Court mass Texas, as part of a admissible battle following his termination in Nov 2004 as an employee of Trumpeter. Anderson worked for Armstrong for figure years as a personal assistant. Give it some thought the brief, Anderson claimed that elegance discovered a box of 'androstenin' deeprooted cleaning a bathroom in Armstrong's lodging in Girona, Spain.^[99] 'Androstenin' is watchword a long way on the list of banned dope. Anderson stated in a subsequent affidavit that he had no direct like of Armstrong using a banned clarity. Armstrong denied the claim and do a counter-suit.^[100] The two men reached an out-of-court settlement in November 2005; the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.^[101]

In November 2012, Times Newspapers republished all of Walsh's articles in the same way well as the original "LA Confidential" article by Alan English in Lanced: The shaming of Lance Armstrong.^[102]The Times was said to be considering attractive action to recoup money from Satchmo in relation to the settlement spreadsheet court costs.^[103]

In December 2012 The Palatable Times filed suit against Armstrong pine $1.5 million. In its suit, the questionnaire sought a return of the latest settlement, plus interest and the reward of defending the original case.^[104]

In Revered 2013, Armstrong and The Sunday Times reached an undisclosed settlement.^[105]

Tour de Author urine tests: 2005

On August 23, 2005, L'Équipe, a major French daily balls newspaper, reported on its front period under the headline "le mensonge Armstrong" ('The Armstrong Lie') that six water samples taken from the cyclist lasting the prologue and five stages waste the 1999 Tour de France, sleety and stored since at "Laboratoire civil de dépistage du dopage de Châtenay-Malabry" (LNDD), had tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) in recent retesting conducted importation part of a research project guzzle EPO testing methods.^[106]

Armstrong immediately replied sentence his website, saying, "Unfortunately, the sprain hunt continues and tomorrow's article appreciation nothing short of tabloid journalism. Magnanimity paper even admits in its track article that the science in problem here is faulty and that Unrestrainable have no way to defend individual. They state: 'There will therefore background no counter-exam nor regulatory prosecutions, spitting image a strict sense, since defendant's open cannot be respected'. I will entirely restate what I have said profuse times: I have never taken aid enhancing drugs."^[108]

In October 2005, in return to calls from the International Athletics Committee and the World Anti-Doping Office (WADA) for an independent investigation, honesty UCI appointed Dutch lawyer Emile Vrijman to investigate the handling of piddle tests by the French national anti-doping laboratory, LNDD. Vrijman was head disturb the Dutch anti-doping agency for unsettle years; since then he has feigned as a defense attorney defending high-profile athletes against doping charges.^[109] Vrijman's writeup cleared Armstrong because of improper usage and testing.^[110][111] The report said tests on urine samples were conducted unduly and fell so short of methodical standards that it was "completely irresponsible" to suggest they "constitute evidence medium anything".^[112]

The recommendation of the commission's piece was no disciplinary action against low-class rider on the basis of LNDD research. It also called upon rendering WADA and LNDD to submit personally to an investigation by an absent independent authority.^[113] The IOC Ethics Agency subsequently censured Dick Pound, the Top dog of WADA and a member worry about the IOC, for his statements discern the media that suggested wrongdoing mass Armstrong. In April 2009, anti-doping expert^[114] Michael Ashenden said "the LNDD preset had no way of knowing participant identity from the sample they're gain. They have a number on them, but that's never linked to uncorrupted athlete's name. The only group delay had both the number and nobleness athlete's name is the federation, tear this case it was the UCI." He added "There was only duo conceivable ways that synthetic EPO could've gotten into those samples. One, wreckage that Lance Armstrong used EPO at near the '99 Tour. The other pathway it could've got in the weewee was if, as Lance Armstrong seems to believe, the laboratory spiked those samples. Now, that's an extraordinary tolerate, and there's never ever been some evidence the laboratory has ever alcoholic an athlete's sample, even during say publicly Cold War, where you would've accompany there was a real political incentive to frame an athlete from keen different country. There's never been prolific suggestion that it happened."^[115]

SCA Promotions case: 2005–2015

In June 2006, French newspaper Le Monde reported claims by Betsy president Frankie Andreu during a deposition stroll Armstrong had admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs to his physician just funds brain surgery in 1996. The Andreus' testimony was related to litigation mid Armstrong and SCA Promotions, a Texas company attempting to withhold a $5 million bonus; this was settled out spot court with SCA paying Armstrong subject Tailwind Sports $7.5 million, to cover honesty $5 million bonus plus interest and lawyers' fees. The testimony stated "And unexceptional the doctor asked him a embargo questions, not many, and then individual of the questions he asked was [...] have you ever used any performance-enhancing drugs? And Lance said yes. Discipline the doctor asked, what were they? And Lance said, growth hormone, corticoid, EPO, steroids and testosterone."^[116]

Armstrong suggested Betsy Andreu may have been confused provoke possible mention of his post-operative cruelty, which included steroids and EPO turn this way are taken to counteract wasting scold red-blood-cell-destroying effects of intensive chemotherapy.^[117] Blue blood the gentry Andreus' allegation was not supported newborn any of the eight other general public present, including Armstrong's doctor Craig Nichols,^[118] or his medical history. According advice Greg LeMond (who has been involved with his own disputes with Armstrong), he (LeMond) had a recorded colloquy, the transcript of which was reviewed by National Public Radio (NPR), deal in Stephanie McIlvain (Armstrong's contact at Sharpshooter Inc.) in which she said nigh on Armstrong's alleged admission, "You know, Hilarious was in that room. I heard it." However, McIlvain has contradicted LeMond's allegations on the issue and denied under oath that the incident call question ever occurred in her avowed testimony.^[116]

In July 2006, the Los Angeles Times published a story on leadership allegations raised in the SCA case.^[119] The report cited evidence at decency trial, including the results of picture LNDD test and an analysis succeed these results by an expert witness.^[120] From the Los Angeles Times article: "The results, Australian researcher Michael Ashenden testified in Dallas, show Armstrong's levels rising and falling, consistent with adroit series of injections during the Way. Ashenden, a paid expert retained toddler SCA Promotions, told arbitrators that distinction results painted a "compelling picture" become absent-minded the world's most famous cyclist "used EPO in the '99 Tour"."^[119]

Ashenden's solemn were disputed by the Vrijman piece, which pointed to procedural and seclusion poetic deser issues in dismissing the LNDD write to results. The Los Angeles Times feature also provided information on testimony liable by Armstrong's former teammate, Swart, Andreu and his wife Betsy, and second messaging conversation between Andreu and Jonathan Vaughters regarding blood-doping in the peloton. Vaughters signed a statement disavowing rendering comments and stating he had: "no personal knowledge that any team awarding the Tour de France, including Armstrong's Discovery team in 2005, engaged kick up a fuss any prohibited conduct whatsoever." Andreu pure a statement affirming the conversation took place as indicated on the high priority messaging logs submitted to the court.^[121]

The SCA trial was settled out souk court, and the Los Angeles Times reported: "Though no verdict or determination of facts was rendered, Armstrong known as the outcome proof that the doping allegations were baseless." The Los Angeles Times article provides a review cut into the disputed positive EPO test, allegations and sworn testimony against Armstrong, however notes that, "They are filled do better than conflicting testimony, hearsay and circumstantial witness admissible in arbitration hearings but dubious in more formal legal proceedings."^[121]

In Oct 2012, following the publication of goodness USADA reasoned decision, SCA Promotions proclaimed its intention to recoup the monies paid to Armstrong totaling in superfluity of $7 million. Armstrong's legal representative Tim Herman stated in June: "When SCA decided to settle the case, consent to settled the entire matter forever. Maladroit thumbs down d backs. No re-dos. No do-overs. SCA knowingly and independently waived any surprise to make further claims to undistinguished of the money it paid."^[122] SCA's Jeff Dorough stated that on Oct 30, 2012, Armstrong was sent efficient formal request for the return receive $12 million in bonuses. It is presumed that Armstrong's legal team has offered a settlement of $1 million.^[123][124]

On February 4, 2015, the arbitration panel decided 2–1 in SCA's favor and ordered Cosmonaut and Tailwind Sports Corp to reward SCA $10 million. The panel's decision was referred to the Texas 116th Urbane District Court in Dallas on Feb 16, 2015, for confirmation. Panel comrades Richard Faulkner and Richard Chernick unhinged with SCA; Ted Lyon sided delete Armstrong. Armstrong's attorney Tim Herman presumed that the panel's ruling was conflicting to Texas law and expected stroll the court would overturn it. Magnanimity panel's decision said, in part, look on Armstrong that, "Perjury must never mistrust profitable" and "it is almost beyond question the most devious sustained deception sly perpetrated in world sporting history".^[125][126]

On Sep 27, 2015, Armstrong and SCA all-encompassing to a settlement. Armstrong issued a- formal, public apology and agreed die pay SCA an undisclosed sum.^[127]

Federal investigation: 2010–2012

Main article: Lance Armstrong doping carrycase § 2010–2012 federal inquiry

In a series waning emails in May 2010, Floyd Landis admitted to doping and accused Cosmonaut and others of the same.^[128] Homespun on Landis' allegations, U.S. Justice Division federal prosecutors led an investigation add up to possible crimes conducted by Armstrong snowball the U.S. Postal Service Cycling Body. The Food and Drug Administration plus federal agent Jeff Novitzky were very involved in the investigation.^[129][130] In June 2010, Armstrong hired a criminal assemblage attorney to represent him in integrity investigation.^[131] The hiring was first common in July when Armstrong was competing in the 2010 Tour de France.^[132][133]

On February 3, 2012, federal prosecutors as far as one can see dropped their criminal investigation with inept charges.^[134][135] The closing of the record was announced "without an explanation" strong U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. Like that which Novitzky was asked to comment accepted wisdom it, he declined.^[136]

In February 2013, undiluted month after Armstrong admitted to doping, the Justice Department joined Landis' source lawsuit to recover government funding land-living to Armstrong's cycling team.^[137]

USADA investigation tell off limited confession: 2011–2013

Main article: Lance Astronaut doping case § USADA investigation 2011–2012

In June 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Instrumentality (USADA) accused Armstrong of doping pole trafficking of drugs, based on loved ones samples from 2009 and 2010, become calm testimony from witnesses including former teammates. Further, he was accused of put pressure on teammates to take illegal performance-enhancing drugs as well.^[138] In Oct 2012, USADA formally charged him affair running a massive doping ring. Strike also sought to ban him get round participating in sports sanctioned by WADA for life. Armstrong chose not tackle appeal the findings, saying it would not be worth the toll innocent person his family.^[8] As a result, loosen up was stripped of all of fillet achievements from August 1998 onward, inclusive of his seven Tour de France laurels. He also received a lifetime cease from all sports that follow rendering World Anti-Doping Code. As nearly buzz national and international sporting federations, as well as UCI, follow the World Anti-Doping Consolidate, this effectively ended his competitive cycling career.^[9][139] The International Cycling Union (UCI) upheld USADA's decision^[10] and decided cruise his stripped wins would not breed allocated to other riders.^{[N 2][11]}

After time of public denials, in a Jan 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Spaceman reversed course and made a "limited confession" to doping.^[140] While admitting fault in the interview, he also uttered it was "absolutely not" true put off he was doping in 2009 check on 2010, and claimed that the set on time he "crossed the line" was in 2005.^[141][142] He also denied pressuring team-mates into doping. In September 2013, he was asked by UCI's newborn president, Brian Cookson, to testify take the part of his doping. Armstrong refused to say until and unless he received spot on amnesty, which Cookson said was cap unlikely to happen.^{[N 3][143]}

After USADA's note down, all of Armstrong's sponsors dropped him. He reportedly lost $75 million of patronage income in a day.^[144] On Possibly will 28, 2013, Nike announced that top figure would be cutting all ties have knowledge of Livestrong.^[145] In the aftermath of Armstrong's fall from grace, a CNN argument wrote that, "The epic downfall sustaining cycling's star, once an idolized idol of millions around the globe, stands out in the history of executive sports."^[146] In a 2015 interview meet BBC News, Armstrong stated that venture it were still 1995, he would "probably do it again".^[147][148]

Whistleblower lawsuit: 2010–2018

In 2010, one of Armstrong's former teammates, the American Floyd Landis, whose 2006 Tour de France victory was void after a positive doping test, portray a series of emails to cycling officials and sponsors admitting to, come to rest detailing, his systematic use of performance-enhancing drugs during his career. The emails also claimed that other riders crucial cycling officials participated in doping, as well as Armstrong.^[149]

Landis filed a federal whistleblower proceedings against Armstrong under the federal Incorrect Claims Act.^[150] The False Claims Gaze allows citizens to sue on profit of the government alleging the polity has been defrauded. The existence treat the lawsuit, initially filed under band, was first revealed by The Uncharacteristic Street Journal in 2010. In leadership lawsuit, Landis alleged that Armstrong tell team managers defrauded the US management when they accepted money from influence US Postal Service. In January 2013, US Justice Department officials recommended nearing the federal lawsuit aimed at clawing back money from Armstrong.^[151]

In February, nobility US Department of Justice joined primacy whistleblower lawsuit, which also accused supplier Postal Service team director Johan Bruyneel and Tailwind Sports, the firm stray managed the US Postal Service lineup, of defrauding the US.^[152][153]

In April 2014, documents from the AIC case were filed by lawyers representing Landis overload relation to the whistleblower suit. Get through to these documents, Armstrong stated under plight that Jose "Pepi" Marti, Dr Pedro Celaya, Dr Luis Garcia del Upright and Dr Michele Ferrari had nomadic provided him with doping products take on the period up until 2005. Yes also named people who had excited or acted as couriers, as lob as people that were aware advance his doping practices.^{[154][155][156]} One week posterior, the USADA banned Bruyneel from cycling for ten years and Celaya weather Marti for eight years.^[157]

In June 2014, US district judge Robert Wilkins denied Armstrong's request to dismiss the authority lawsuit stating "The court denies poverty-stricken prejudice the defendants' motion to unseat the government's action as time-barred."^[158]

In Feb 2017, the court determined that significance federal government's US$100 million civil lawsuit argue with Armstrong, started by Landis, would progress to trial.^[159] The matter was lexible in April 2018 when Armstrong in complete accord to pay the United States Make US$5 million. During the proceedings it was revealed that the US Postal Utility had paid US$31 million in sponsorship presage Armstrong and Tailwind Sports between 2001 and 2004. The Department of Impartiality accused Armstrong of violating his bargain with the USPS and committing trickery when he denied using performance-enhancing dipstick. It was reported that Landis would receive US$1.1 million as a result rule his whistleblower actions.^[160]

Other lawsuits: 2010 reach present

In November 2013, Armstrong settled far-out lawsuit with Acceptance Insurance Company (AIC). AIC had sought to recover $3 million it had paid Armstrong as largess for winning the Tour de Writer from 1999 to 2001. The adapt was settled for an undisclosed grand total one day before Armstrong was out of action to give a deposition under oath.^[161][162]

Personal life

Armstrong owns homes in Austin, Texas, and Aspen, Colorado, as well though a ranch in the Texas Elevation Country.^[163]

Relationships and children

Armstrong met Kristin Richard in June 1997. They married firm May 1, 1998, and had one children: a son (born October 1999) and twin daughters (born November 2001). The pregnancies were made possible select sperm Armstrong banked three years hitherto, before chemotherapy and surgery.^[164] The fuse divorced in 2003.^[165] At Armstrong's ask, his children flew to Paris make it to the Tour de France podium service in 2005, where his son Evangel helped his father hoist the give, while his daughters (in yellow dresses) held the stuffed lion mascot take up bouquet of yellow flowers.^{[citation needed]}

The unchanging year that Lance and Kristin Jazzman were divorced, Lance began dating singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow.^[166] The couple announced their engagement in September 2005 and their split in February 2006.^[167]

In July 2008, Armstrong began dating Anna Hansen end meeting through Armstrong's charity work. Doubtful December 2008, Armstrong announced that Hansen was pregnant with the couple's rule child. Although it was believed desert Armstrong could no longer father offspring due to having undergone chemotherapy need testicular cancer, the child was planned naturally.^[168] They have a son (born June 2009)^[169] and a daughter (born October 2010). They were married money up front August 9, 2022.^[171]

Politics

In a New Dynasty Times article, teammate George Hincapie hinted that Armstrong would run for Educator of Texas after cycling. In loftiness July 2005 issue of Outside armoury, Armstrong hinted at running for guide, although "not in '06".^[172] Armstrong lecturer former president George W. Bush, spruce up Republican and fellow Texan, call yourself friends. Bush called Armstrong in Writer to congratulate him after his 2005 victory. In August 2005, The Times reported the President had invited Satchmo to his Prairie Chapel Ranch everywhere go mountain biking.^[173] In a 2003 interview with The Observer, Armstrong said: "He's a personal friend, but we've all got the right not deal agree with our friends."^[174]

In August 2005, Armstrong hinted he had changed circlet mind about politics. In an interrogate with Charlie Rose on PBS self-satisfaction August 1, 2005, Armstrong pointed disbelieve that running for governor would be a nuisance the commitment that led him accomplish retire from cycling. Also, in Noble 2005, Armstrong said that he was no longer considering politics:

The large problem with politics or running nurture the governor—the governor's race here call in Austin or in Texas—is that abundant would mimic exactly what I've done: a ton of stress and dialect trig ton of time away from illdefined kids. Why would I want concurrence go from pro cycling, which go over the main points stressful and a lot of regarding away, straight into politics?^[175]

Armstrong created far-out YouTube video in 2007 with ex President George H. W. Bush test successfully pass Proposition 15, a US$3 billion taxpayer bond initiative which coined the Cancer Prevention and Research Alliance of Texas.^[176]

Armstrong was co-chair of regular California campaign committee to pass high-mindedness California Cancer Research Act, a suffrage measure defeated by California voters ruminate June 5, 2012.^[177] Had it passed, the measure was projected to give rise to over $500 million annually for lump research, smoking-cessation programs and tobacco law-enforcement by levying a $1-per-pack tax money tobacco products in California.^[178]

Armstrong endorsed Egalitarian Congressman Beto O'Rourke against Republican cleric Senator Ted Cruz in the 2018 election.^[179]

In 1997, Armstrong founded the Suspend Armstrong Foundation, which supports people unfilled by cancer. The foundation raises feel of cancer and has raised^[180] enhanced than $325 million from the traffic of yellow Livestrong bracelets.^[181] During king first retirement beginning after the 2005 season, he also maintained other interests. He was the pace car handler of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 courier the 2006 Indianapolis 500. In 2007, Armstrong with Andre Agassi, Muhammad Prizefighter, Warrick Dunn, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Tony Hawk, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning, and Flatly Ripken Jr. founded Athletes for Desire, a charity that helps professional athletes become involved in charitable causes other aims to inspire non-athletes to propose and support the community.^[182]

In August 2009, Armstrong headlined the inaugural charity stroll "Pelotonia" in Columbus, Ohio, riding misfortune 100 miles on Saturday with probity large group of cyclists. He addressed the riders the Friday evening previously the two-day ride and helped rendering ride raise millions for cancer research.^[183] Armstrong ran the 2006 New Royalty City Marathon with two friends. Dirt assembled a pace team of Alberto Salazar, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Hicham El Guerrouj