Lance Armstrong Stripped of 7 Tour de France Titles - The New York Times The New York Times Cycling |Lance Armstrong Is Stripped of His 7 Tour de France Titles Search Continue reading the main story Photo Lance Armstrong, capturing a stage of the Tour de France in 2004. Credit Patrick Kovarik/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images The International Cycling Union announced Monday that it would not appeal the United States Anti-Doping Agency ’s ruling to bar Lance Armstrong for life from Olympic sports for doping and for playing an instrumental role in the team-organized doping on his Tour de France -winning cycling squads. That decision to waive the right to take Armstrong’s case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest court in sports, formally stripped Armstrong of the seven Tour titles he won from 1999 to 2005. “Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling; he deserves to be forgotten in cycling,” Pat McQuaid, the president of the cycling union, known as U.C.I., said in a news conference in Switzerland.

“Something like this must never happen again.” McQuaid said he was “sickened” by the facts in the 202-page report the antidoping agency made public two weeks ago regarding the evidence it had in the Armstrong case, and called it mind-boggling how former teammates like the five-time national time-trial champion David Zabriskie were pushed to use performance-enhancing drugs. Photo Details from the investigation of Lance Armstrong by the United States Anti-Doping Agency based on testimony, largely from teammates. Armstrong has denied doping. Credit Joe Ward and Alan McLean/The New York Times McQuaid said that Armstrong’s teams had a “win at all costs” attitude fueled by “deceit, intimidation, coercion and evasion,” and that all of the evidence was there to prove that Armstrong doped. He added that he was sorry the cycling union had not caught Armstrong and his teammates “red handed” so he could have thrown them out of the sport. Continue reading the main story Armstrong, who has vehemently denied ever doping, declined to comment Monday. But in the past, he said that he, his teammates and those riders who competed against him would always know he won those seven Tours.

By early Tuesday, his biography on his Twitter page had been changed to no longer say he is the seven-time Tour de France winner. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The antidoping agency applauded the cycling union’s acceptance of the penalties the agency gave Armstrong in August, when Armstrong gave up fighting his case. Back then, the cycling union was battling to gain jurisdiction over the matter. “Today, the U.C.I. made the right decision in the Lance Armstrong case,” Travis Tygart, the antidoping agency’s chief executive, said in a statement. “Despite its prior opposition to Usada’s investigation into doping on the U.S. Postal Service cycling team and within the sport, Usada is glad that the U.C.I. finally reversed course in this case and has made the credible decision available to it.” Photo Lance Armstrong at the end of the 19th stage of the 90th Tour de France in July 2003.

Credit Franck Fife/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Tygart said there was still more to do to clean up cycling because there were “many more details of doping that are hidden, many more doping doctors, and corrupt team directors, and the omerta has not yet been fully broken.” He called for immunity to be given to riders who come forward and confess their doping, so the sport can learn from its mistakes. The World Anti-Doping Agency now has the opportunity to appeal Usada’s decision, and its officials said they were still in the process of reviewing the evidence. The cycling union’s announcement delivered yet another devastating blow to Armstrong, who has unceremoniously fallen from grace within the past two weeks. Last week he stepped down as the chairman of Livestrong, his cancer foundation, and lost nearly all of his sponsors, including Nike and the Trek bicycle company. Oakley sunglasses, one of the companies that had been with Armstrong the longest, announced Monday that it was dropping him, too. Photo Lance Armstrong won ultimate possession of the Tour de France's yellow jersey for seven straight years, but his name is being removed from the Tour record books.

Credit Oliver Multhaup/European Pressphoto Agency Also, the International Olympic Committee is reviewing Armstrong’s case and will probably strip him of the bronze medal he won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Christian Prudhomme, the Tour’s race director, said at a news conference Monday that he no longer considered Armstrong a Tour champion and that the Amaury Sport Organization, the company that organizes the Tour de France, would erase Armstrong’s name from its record books. Advertisement He added that the runners-up should not be elevated in the standings because of the prevalent doping that occurred during that period in the sport. “Those dark years must be marked by the absence of a winner,” he said. Prudhomme characterized Armstrong as “a true talent who strayed” and “played with fire,” and said he would like Armstrong to repay the millions of dollars in prize money he won at the Tour. Photo Pat McQuaid of the International Cycling Union said, “Armstrong has no place in cycling.” Credit Fabrice Coffrini/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images But the cycling union will make the final decision on that.

McQuaid said the management committee of the cycling union would meet on Friday to discuss the ramifications of Armstrong’s downfall, including if and how Armstrong would repay prize money and how the cycling union would handle the standings at the Tours he won. He said the committee also would discuss the possible repayment of prize money by Armstrong’s former teammates who provided testimony in the antidoping agency’s case and confessed their own doping. “A lot of these guys made a lot of money out of their cheating,” McQuaid said. “A lot have admitted they cheated and apologized to their family and friends, but they have not apologized to the U.C.I. or the sport.” Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. Invalid email address. Please re-enter. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to. Sign Up Privacy Policy McQuaid also disputed accusations that the cycling union covered up positive drug tests for Armstrong or took bribes from him, calling those claims absolutely untrue. The decision to strip Armstrong of his Tour victories has also created legal problems for him. One is that SCA Promotions, an insurance company based in Dallas, is trying to recoup $9.5 million in performance bonuses it covered when Armstrong won Tour after Tour.

The company withheld a $5 million bonus for Armstrong’s winning the 2004 Tour after a French book claimed he had doped and cheated to win. Armstrong sued the company to force it to pay him that bonus. The two parties reached a settlement, with the insurance company paying Armstrong $7.5 million — and now SCA Promotions wants that money returned, along with the other $4.5 million in bonuses, for a total of $12 million. “Once he loses those titles, in our minds, he’s not entitled to those payments,” Jeffrey M. Tillotson, a lawyer for the company, said. “We’re sending a demand letter to him, which I’m sure he’ll throw away. But fair is fair. We want our money back.” A version of this article appears in print on October 23, 2012, on Page B13 of the New York edition with the headline: Say Goodbye to 7 Yellow Jerseys.

Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe Doping scandal costs Lance Armstrong sponsors, charity role - CNN.com Doping scandal costs Lance Armstrong sponsors, charity role By Michael Pearson, CNN Updated 5:44 AM ET, Mon October 22, 2012 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. JUST WATCHED Piers: Armstrong a 'disgraceful fraud' 01:55 Story highlights "It doesn't get any worse than this," crisis-communications expert says Nike ends contract with Armstrong over "seemingly insurmountable" doping evidence The former pro cyclist resigns from chairmaship of the organization he founded in 1997 Armstrong says he stepped aside to protect the charity For years, Lance Armstrong carried a growing burden of doping accusations up increasingly steep hills, accumulating fans, wealth and respect along the way. On Wednesday, he crashed. In one day, the renowned cyclist and cancer survivor lost a major endorsement deal with Nike -- once worth millions of dollars -- and the chairmanship of the cancer charity he founded 15 years ago. While stepping down as chairman of Livestrong was Armstrong's idea, losing Nike's support wasn't.

Nike, which initially stood by Armstrong, dropped him Wednesday with a terse statement citing what it called "seemingly insurmountable evidence" that he participated in doping. Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – After denying the allegations for years, cyclist Lance Armstrong admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. As a result, he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and an Olympic bronze medal. Click through the gallery for a look at his life and career. Hide Caption 1 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong, 17, competes in the Jeep Triathlon Grand Prix in 1988. He became a professional triathlete at age 16 and joined the U.S. National Cycling Team two years later. Hide Caption 2 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong wins the 18th stage of the Tour de France in 1995. He finished the race for the first time that year, ending in 36th place.

Hide Caption 3 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong rides at the Ikon Ride for the Roses to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation in May 1998. He established the foundation to benefit cancer research after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. After treatment, he was declared cancer-free in February 1997. Hide Caption 4 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong leads his teammates during the final stage of the 1999 Tour de France. Hide Caption 5 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong takes his honor lap on the Champs-Élysées in Paris after winning the Tour de France for the first time in 1999. Hide Caption 6 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – After winning the 2000 Tour de France, Armstrong holds his son Luke on his shoulders.

Hide Caption 7 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong rides during the 18th stage of the 2001 Tour de France. He won the tour that year for the third consecutive time. Hide Caption 8 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong celebrates winning the 10th stage of the Tour de France in 2001. Hide Caption 9 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – After winning the 2001 Tour de France, Armstrong presents President George W. Bush with a U.S. Postal Service yellow jersey and a replica of the bike he used to win the race. Hide Caption 10 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong celebrates on the podium after winning the Tour de France by 61 seconds in 2003. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Jay Leno interviews Armstrong on "The Tonight Show" in 2003.

Hide Caption 12 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – After his sixth consecutive Tour de France win, Armstrong attends a celebration in his honor in front of the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Hide Caption 13 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong arrives at the 2005 American Music Awards in Los Angeles with then-fiancee Sheryl Crow. The couple never made it down the aisle, splitting up the following year. Hide Caption 14 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong holds up a paper displaying the number seven at the start of the Tour de France in 2005. He went on to win his seventh consecutive Tour de France. Hide Caption 15 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong testifies during a Senate hearing in 2008 on Capitol Hill. The hearing focused on finding a cure for cancer in the 21st century.

Hide Caption 16 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – In 2009, Armstrong suffered a broken collarbone after falling during a race in Spain. Hide Caption 17 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Young Armstrong fans write messages on the ground ahead of the 2009 Tour de France. He came in third place that year. Hide Caption 18 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong launches the three-day Livestrong Global Cancer Summit in 2009 in Dublin, Ireland. The event was organized by his foundation. Hide Caption 19 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – In May 2010, Armstrong crashes during the Amgen Tour of California. That same day, he denied allegations of doping made by former teammate Floyd Landis.

Hide Caption 20 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong looks back as he rides during the 2010 Tour de France. Hide Caption 21 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong's son Luke; his twin daughters, Isabelle and Grace; and his 1-year-old son, Max, stand outside the Radio Shack team bus on a rest day during the 2010 Tour de France. Hide Caption 22 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong finished 23rd in the 2010 Tour de France. He announced his retirement from the world of professional cycling in February 2011. He said he wanted to devote more time to his family and the fight against cancer.

Hide Caption 23 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – The frame of Armstrong's bike is engraved with the names of his four children at the time and the Spanish word for five, "cinco." His fifth child, Olivia, was born in October 2010. Hide Caption 24 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong competes in the 70.3 Ironman Triathlon in Panama City, Florida, in February 2012. He went on to claim two Half Ironman triathlon titles by June of that year. Hide Caption 25 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong addresses participants at the Livestrong Challenge Ride on October 21, 2012, days after he stepped down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer charity.

Hide Caption 26 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – International Cycling Union President Pat McQuaid announces the decision to strip Armstrong of his seven Tour de France wins and ban him from the tournament for life on October 22, 2012. "Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling," he said. Hide Caption 27 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – In January 2013, Armstrong speaks with Oprah Winfrey about the controversy surrounding his cycling career. He admitted, unequivocally and for the first time, that he used performance-enhancing drugs while competing. Hide Caption Sickened UCI strips Armstrong of Tour wins | Reuters Mon Oct 22, 2012 | 5:02 PM EDT "Sickened" UCI strips Armstrong of Tour wins By Julien Pretot | GENEVA GENEVA Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life on Monday after the International Cycling Union (UCI) ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) sanctions against the American.

The long-awaited decision has left cycling facing its "greatest crisis" according to UCI president Pat McQuaid and has destroyed Armstrong's last hope of clearing his name. "Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling. Lance Armstrong deserves to be forgotten in cycling," McQuaid told a news conference as he outlined how cycling, long battered by doping problems for decades, would have to start all over again. "The UCI wishes to begin that journey on that path forward today by confirming that it will not appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and that it will recognize the sanction that USADA has imposed. "I was sickened by what I read in the USADA report." On October 10, USADA published a report into Armstrong which alleged the now-retired rider had been involved in the "most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen". Armstrong, 41, had previously elected not to contest USADA charges, prompting USADA to propose his punishment pending confirmation from cycling's world governing body. Former Armstrong team mates at his U.S.

Postal and Discovery Channel outfits, where he won his seven successive Tour titles from 1999 to 2005, testified against him and themselves and were given reduced bans by the American authorities. "It wasn't until the intervention of federal agents...they called these riders in and they put down a gun and badge on the table in front of them and said 'you're now facing a grand jury you must tell the truth' that those riders broke down," McQuaid added. Armstrong, widely accepted as one of the greatest cyclists of all time given he fought back from cancer to dominate the sport, has always denied doping and says he has never failed a doping test. He said he had stopped contesting the charges after years of probes and rumors because "there comes a point in every man's life when he has to say, 'Enough is enough'". WIDESPREAD DOPING McQuaid, who faced criticism from several quarters for his and the UCI's handling of the affair, said he would not be resigning. "Cycling has a future. This is not the first time cycling has reached a crossroads or that it has had to begin anew," he said in front of a packed room full of journalists and television cameras.

"When I took over (as president) in 2005 I made the fight against doping my priority. I acknowledged cycling had a culture of doping. Cycling has come a long way. I have no intention of resigning as president of the UCI. "I am sorry we couldn't catch every damn one of them red handed and throw them out of the sport." Other issues such as the potential re-awarding of Armstrong's Tour titles and the matter of prize money will be discussed by the UCI Management Committee on Friday. Tour director Christian Prudhomme has said he believes no rider should inherit the titles given doping was so widespread among the peloton at the time but McQuaid made it clear the decision rested with his organization, not the Tour. USADA charged five people over the doping ring. Doctors Luis Garcia del Moral and Michele Ferrari and trainer Pepe Marti have been banned for life while Armstrong's mentor Johan Bruyneel has chosen to go to arbitration along with doctor Pedro Celaya. Armstrong's last hope that the UCI might not ratify USADA's ruling sprang from long-running dispute between the two bodies over who should handle the case.

In statements issued at the news conference, the UCI continued the feud with USADA despite ratifying its decision. "Even apart from any discussion on jurisdiction, it would have been better that the evidence collected by USADA had been assessed by a neutral body or person who was not involved in collecting the evidence and prosecuting the defendant," it said. "This would have avoided both the criticism of a witch hunt against Mr Armstrong and the criticism that the UCI had a conflict of interest." The UCI also said it had dope tested Armstrong 218 times and the fact he never tested positive and "beat the system" means that other organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency should share the responsibility of accepting the results. USADA chief Travis Tygart issued a statement approving of the UCI's action but warning that more needed to be done. "Despite its prior opposition to USADA's investigation into doping on the U.S. Postal Service cycling team and within the sport, USADA is glad that the UCI finally reversed course in this case and has made the credible decision available to it," he said. "This determination to uphold USADA's decision on the U.S.

Postal Services case does not by itself clean up cycling nor does it ensure the sport has moved past the obstacles that allowed doping to flourish in the age of EPO and blood transfusions. "For cycling to truly move forward and for the world to know what went on in cycling, it is essential that an independent and meaningful Truth and Reconciliation Commission be established so that the sport can fully unshackle itself from the past." In recent years the Tour de France and cycling had looked to be winning the battle against dopers but when asked if the sport would one day be free of the scourge, McQuaid answered: "No." The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would take its time to digest the news amid suggestions that Armstrong could be stripped of his 2000 Sydney Olympics time trial bronze. "We will study UCI's response to the USADA report and await to receive their full decision including further potential sanctions against Lance Armstrong as well as regarding any ramifications to his case," an IOC official said.

(Additional reporting by Brian Homewood, Toby Davis, Mitch Phillips, Gene Cherry Karolos Grohmann and Justin Palmer; Editing by Mark Meadows) ADVERTISEMENT 1/9 Seven-time Tour de France winner Team Radioshack rider Lance Armstrong waits at the starting line in Visalia, California of stage five of the Amgen Tour of California in a May 20, 2010 file photo. Sunglasses maker Oakley has become the latest sponsor to drop Armstrong over a doping scandal that has seen him stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. Reuters/Anthony Bolante/files + 2/9 Lance Armstrong makes an appearance at the LIVESTRONG's 15th anniversary gala, his cancer-fighting charity in Austin, Texas, October 19, 2012 released to Reuters on October 22, 2012. Reuters/Elizabeth Kreutz/Lance Armstrong Foundation/Handout + 3/9 Then US Postal team rider Lance Armstrong of the U.S.

waits in front of the pack of riders for the start of the 192.5km first stage of the 89th Tour de France cycling race in Luxembourg in this July 7, 2002 file photo. Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life after the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on October 22, 2012 it had ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) sanctions. Reuters/Eric Gaillard/Files + 4/9 Then Astana rider Lance Armstrong (C) of the U.S. cycles during the third stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Marseille and La Grande-Motte in this July 6, 2009 file photo. Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life after the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on October 22, 2012 it had ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) sanctions.

Reuters/Bogdan Cristel/Files + 5/9 International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid arrives for a news conference on the Lance Armstrong doping scandal in Geneva October 22, 2012. Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life after the UCI said on Monday it had ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) sanctions. On October 10, USADA published a report into Armstrong which alleged the now retired American rider had been involved in the ''most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme sport has ever seen''. Armstrong, 41, had previously elected not to contest USADA charges, prompting USADA to propose his punishment pending confirmation from cycling's world governing body. Reuters/Denis Balibouse + 6/9 Then overall leader and five-time Tour de France winner US Postal rider Lance Armstrong of the U.S. cycles down a mountain during the 204.5 km long 17th stage of the Tour de France from Bourg-d'Oisans to Le Grand Bornand, in this July 22, 2004 file photo.

Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life after the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on October 22, 2012 it had ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) sanctions. Reuters/Stefano Rellandini/Files + 7/9 International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid arrives for a news conference on the Lance Armstrong doping scandal in Geneva October 22, 2012. Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life after the UCI said on Monday it had ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) sanctions. On October 10, USADA published a report into Armstrong which alleged the now retired American rider had been involved in the ''most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme sport has ever seen''. Armstrong, 41, had previously elected not to contest USADA charges, prompting USADA to propose his punishment pending confirmation from cycling's world governing body.

Reuters/Denis Balibouse + 8/9 Lance Armstrong walks back to his car after running at Mount Royal park with fans in Montreal August 29, 2012. Reuters/Christinne Muschi + 9/9 International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid (C) speaks to media during a news conference on the Lance Armstrong doping scandal in Geneva October 22, 2012. Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life after the UCI said on Monday it had ratified the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) sanctions. On October 10, USADA published a report into Armstrong which alleged the now retired American rider had been involved in the ''most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme sport has ever seen''. Armstrong, 41, had previously elected not to contest USADA charges, prompting USADA to propose his punishment pending confirmation from cycling's world governing body. Reuters/Denis Balibouse + Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong June 11th, 2015 TRAILER The Lance Armstrong biopic, The Program, released its first trailer on Thursday.

The Stephen Frears-directed movie stars Ben Foster as the disgraced cyclist, and follows the athlete’s journey as he beats cancer, wins seven Tour de France competitions, and falls from grace in a highly-publicized drug scandal. Watch the trailer here. Lance Armstrong Biography (Bicycle Racer) Birthplace: Plano, Texas Best known as: The bicyclist who was stripped of his seven Tour de France victories Lance Armstrong won the prestigious Tour de France an unprecedented seven straight times, from 1999-2005, before being stripped of those same titles in 2012 after investigators concluded that he had used blood doping to win. Lance Armstrong's story has had more ups and downs than ride through the Alps. He was a top amateur cyclist and turned pro after the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, only to discover in 1996 that he had testicular cancer which had spread to his brain and lungs. It was a potentially deadly disease, but after surgery and heavy chemotherapy, Armstrong returned to cycling. Two years later he won his first Tour de France, as the lead rider of the U.S. Postal Service team, and then repeated the victory the next six years in a row.

His string of wins broke the previous Tour de France record of five victories, held by Miguel Indurain (1991-95) and three others. Armstrong had lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, and his cycling fame was such that he wrote two memoirs: It's Not About the Bike (2000) and Every Second Counts (2003). After his 2005 win, Armstrong retired from cycling and spent more of his time running the Lance Armstrong Foundation (aka LiveStrong), the charity for cancer survivors that he founded in 1997. After nearly four years in retirement, he un-retired and raced in the Tour de France again in 2009, finishing third as his teammate Alberto Contador won the race. Armstrong then retired again in 2011, amid continued allegations that he had used performance enhancing drugs. When Armstrong refused to participate in a 2012 arbitration process led by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the agency banned him from the sport for life and announced he would be stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

That decision was confirmed by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on 22 October 2012; UCI president Pat McQuaid told a news conference that day, "Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling. Lance Armstrong deserves to be forgotten in cycling." In 2013, in a lengthy interview with Oprah Winfrey , Armstrong admitted that he had, in fact, cheated while winning all of his Tour de France titles, using steroids, blood doping and performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). Extra credit: In his 2005 season, Lance Armstrong’s racing team was sponsored by the Discovery Channel rather than the U.S. Postal Service.

In 2009 he raced for Astana… Before being stripped of his titles, Lance Armstrong had been the second American to win the Tour de France: the first was Greg LeMond (1986 and 1989-90)… Five-time Tour de France winners: Jacques Anquetil of France (1957, 1961-64), Eddie Merckx of Belgium (1969-72, 1974), Bernard Hinault of France (1978-79, 1981-82, 1985) and Miguel Indurain of Spain (1991-95)… Lance Armstrong and the former Kristin Richard were married in 1998. They have three children: Luke (b. 1999) and twins Isabelle and Grace (b. 2001).

The couple separated early in 2003 and were divorced that December… The same year, Lance Armstrong began dating singer Sheryl Crow ; they became engaged in 2005 but ended the engagement in 2006… Lance Armstrong had another son, Maxwell Armstrong, with his girlfriend Anna Hansen in June of 2009. Their second child, Olivia Marie Armstrong, was born in October of 2010… Lance Armstrong is 5’11” tall, according to a 2006 article in the Austin American-Statesman. Copyright © 1998-2017 by Who2?, LLC. All rights reserved. Advertisement Advertisement Armstrong stripped of Tour de France titles — RT Sport ­The American is also banned for life from competing as the International Cycling Union (UCI) ratified the sanctions put on the athlete by the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA). "Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling," Pat McQuaid, UCI President, is cited as saying by Reuters. On October 10, USADA published a report, claiming that “the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program sport has ever seen" has been behind Armstrong’s success.

The 41-year-old, who previously denied all the accusations of forbidden substance use, has decided not to contest these charges. The American was considered was one of the greatest ever cyclist after he beat cancer to dominate the sport, winning seven straight Tour de France titles between 1999 and 2005. Cycling teams call for audit of doping in sport Cycling teams call for audit of doping in sport Pin it Share FILE - This July 28, 2002 file photo shows Lance Armstrong, center, waving from the podium as he holds the winner's trophy, along with best sprinter Robbie McEwen, of Australia, right, and best climber Laurent Jalabert, of France, after the 20th and final stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Melun and Paris. Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life by cycling's governing body Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, following a report from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that accused him of leading a massive doping program on his teams.

UCI President Pat McQuaid announced that the federation accepted the USADA's report on Armstrong and would not appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) More PARIS (AP) -- Cycling teams are calling for an independent audit into the sport's fight against doping after Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. Jean-Rene Bernardeau of Europcar and Jonathan Vaughters of Garmin-Sharp-Barricuda say their teams and others would help pay for an external audit into how cycling has both succeeded and failed in fighting doping. Vaughters, speaking Tuesday before Tour organizers present their 2013 race route, says "everyone in the sport has an intrinsic bias. But an independent commission can look at it and say, 'You know with this part, they're doing great, this part needs improvement,' and so on." On Monday, the International Cycling Union stripped Armstrong of his titles for doping.

Reblog Lance Armstrong's demise: How an all-American hero fell to earth - CNN.com Lance Armstrong's demise: How an all-American hero fell to earth By John Sinnott and Tom McGowan, CNN Updated 6:14 PM ET, Fri February 22, 2013 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – After denying the allegations for years, cyclist Lance Armstrong admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. As a result, he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and an Olympic bronze medal. Click through the gallery for a look at his life and career. Hide Caption 1 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong, 17, competes in the Jeep Triathlon Grand Prix in 1988. He became a professional triathlete at age 16 and joined the U.S. National Cycling Team two years later.

Hide Caption 2 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong wins the 18th stage of the Tour de France in 1995. He finished the race for the first time that year, ending in 36th place. Hide Caption 3 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong rides at the Ikon Ride for the Roses to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation in May 1998. He established the foundation to benefit cancer research after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. After treatment, he was declared cancer-free in February 1997. Hide Caption 4 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong leads his teammates during the final stage of the 1999 Tour de France. Hide Caption 5 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong takes his honor lap on the Champs-Élysées in Paris after winning the Tour de France for the first time in 1999.

Hide Caption 6 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – After winning the 2000 Tour de France, Armstrong holds his son Luke on his shoulders. Hide Caption 7 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong rides during the 18th stage of the 2001 Tour de France. He won the tour that year for the third consecutive time. Hide Caption 8 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong celebrates winning the 10th stage of the Tour de France in 2001. Hide Caption 9 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – After winning the 2001 Tour de France, Armstrong presents President George W. Bush with a U.S. Postal Service yellow jersey and a replica of the bike he used to win the race.

Hide Caption 10 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong celebrates on the podium after winning the Tour de France by 61 seconds in 2003. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Jay Leno interviews Armstrong on "The Tonight Show" in 2003. Hide Caption 12 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – After his sixth consecutive Tour de France win, Armstrong attends a celebration in his honor in front of the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Hide Caption 13 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong arrives at the 2005 American Music Awards in Los Angeles with then-fiancee Sheryl Crow. The couple never made it down the aisle, splitting up the following year. Hide Caption 14 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong holds up a paper displaying the number seven at the start of the Tour de France in 2005.

He went on to win his seventh consecutive Tour de France. Hide Caption 15 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong testifies during a Senate hearing in 2008 on Capitol Hill. The hearing focused on finding a cure for cancer in the 21st century. Hide Caption 16 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – In 2009, Armstrong suffered a broken collarbone after falling during a race in Spain. Hide Caption 17 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Young Armstrong fans write messages on the ground ahead of the 2009 Tour de France. He came in third place that year. Hide Caption 18 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong launches the three-day Livestrong Global Cancer Summit in 2009 in Dublin, Ireland. The event was organized by his foundation.

Hide Caption 19 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – In May 2010, Armstrong crashes during the Amgen Tour of California. That same day, he denied allegations of doping made by former teammate Floyd Landis. Hide Caption 20 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong looks back as he rides during the 2010 Tour de France. Hide Caption 21 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong's son Luke; his twin daughters, Isabelle and Grace; and his 1-year-old son, Max, stand outside the Radio Shack team bus on a rest day during the 2010 Tour de France. Hide Caption 22 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong finished 23rd in the 2010 Tour de France. He announced his retirement from the world of professional cycling in February 2011. He said he wanted to devote more time to his family and the fight against cancer.

Hide Caption 23 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – The frame of Armstrong's bike is engraved with the names of his four children at the time and the Spanish word for five, "cinco." His fifth child, Olivia, was born in October 2010. Hide Caption 24 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong competes in the 70.3 Ironman Triathlon in Panama City, Florida, in February 2012. He went on to claim two Half Ironman triathlon titles by June of that year. Hide Caption 25 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – Armstrong addresses participants at the Livestrong Challenge Ride on October 21, 2012, days after he stepped down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer charity.

Hide Caption 26 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – International Cycling Union President Pat McQuaid announces the decision to strip Armstrong of his seven Tour de France wins and ban him from the tournament for life on October 22, 2012. "Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling," he said. Hide Caption 27 of 28 Photos: Photos: Lance Armstrong's rise and fall Lance Armstrong's rise and fall – In January 2013, Armstrong speaks with Oprah Winfrey about the controversy surrounding his cycling career. He admitted, unequivocally and for the first time, that he used performance-enhancing drugs while competing. Hide Caption

Question: Who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles in October 2012 due to doping?
Answer: Lance Armstrong