Americans are sceptical about a L’Equipe report that 1999 urine samples of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong have tested positive for erythropoeitin (EPO) and are critical of the French newspaper’s story.
”Armstrong’s lie” blared the front-page headline to a four-page report that tests developed after Armstrong’s first Tour triumph in 1999 confirmed the presence EPO after being examined by a French laboratory testing new detection methods.
But a Tuesday poll on ESPN’s live news channel showed 72% of 56 821 people who responded said they did not think cancer conqueror Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs in his Tour triumphs, while 28% said he did.
In addition, John Eustice, billed as ESPN’s cycling analyst, ripped L’Equipe in a report on the matter, saying the newspaper had given Armstrong a ”Bronx cheer” of contempt in July after his record seventh Tour victory.
”I don’t think it has very much credibility whatsoever. They just put it out there with no back-up,” Eustice said. ”They have had an attitude [about Armstrong] and that in itself attacks its credibility.”
Calling L’Equipe‘s report a ”poor level approach to journalism”, Eustice also questioned how samples six years later could be linked to Armstrong since they were given and stored anonymously.
”I think it’s very much sour grapes. It’s just their attitude,” Eustice said, adding that the doping claim is being used to explain why French cyclists have been outclassed by Armstrong for so many years.
”I believe they have been searching a long time, [and] finally have come up with something that verifies their politics and put it out there without backing it up.”
Another Armstrong supporter was Dave Chauner, director of the United States Pro Cycling circuit in which Armstrong raced early in his career.
”Lance has nothing to hide. He has been tested and retested more than any athlete ever,” Chauner said. ”I’m not sure what the test found and how it was conducted but I can’t believe he’s doped.
”Lance is an extremely dedicated, hard-working competitor. He’s an inspiration to all. If he says he didn’t take any substance, I believe him. Every sports icon is the target of accusation and innuendos.
”You will always have people ready to tear your down and tarnish your achievements. That’s what’s happening to Lance. I stand by his comments.”
Armstrong’s overcoming of testicular cancer has made him an icon with an uplifting story bringing hope to those with cancer.
Dick Pound, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, said an investigation into the matter must come from global sports federations or national governing bodies.
USA Cycling and the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) each had no comment.
A spokesperson for Usada, which investigates and imposes punishments that would be carried out by US federations, said the group had no comment.
USA Cycling spokesperson Andy Lee said the national governing body for the sport will need more information before saying anything.
”Right now we’re not going to comment on it. We don’t have any of the details,” he said. ”It’s not our arena to comment on an ongoing investigation.” — Sapa-AFP