A little over a year ago, the American Lance Armstrong confessed to his doping past. According to information in the US media, in the course of the now-completed proceedings for the return of bonus payments intended by Acceptance Insurance, for the first time he named under oath the names of those who knew about his doping practices and who helped him with doping.
Armstrong's statement dates back to last November but has only now become public. When asked who supplied him with performance-enhancing drugs, the former seven-time Tour de France winner named Pepi Marti, Dr. Pedro Celaya, Dr. Luis Garcia del Moral, and Dr. Michele Ferrari. Armstrong also stated that the drugs were delivered to him by his former masseuse, Emma O'Reilly, as well as mechanics Julien de Vriese and Philippe Maire, the alleged Motoman.
Almost all of the individuals mentioned have denied any involvement in Armstrong's practices, including Johann Bruyneel. According to the Texan, Bruyneel "assisted and was aware of it through our conversations and actions." Furthermore, Armstrong's statement indicates that he usually paid for the doping products himself. However, he did not name any other individuals in this context. He also denies having paid anyone to remain silent about his practices.
Armstrong claims he first used EPO in 1995, although he has again denied allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his comeback.