Spectrum: In an interview with the English daily newspaper 'The Times', doping offender Lance Armstrong commented on the hypocrisy regarding doping in the current peloton. Once in a rage, the Texan also dished out a fair amount against USADA. But there are also forgiving words.
“If there were an alternative to EPO today, everyone would use it!” – so goes Lance Armstrong’s bold assertion in an interview published in today’s edition of The Times. The Texan, who was stripped of all seven Tour de France victories in 2012 due to doping, minces no words in this interview, accusing many active professionals, teams, and officials of hypocrisy in their handling of doping. “Back then, they had this substance, EPO, which was highly effective and undetectable, or at least very difficult to detect. If something comparable were available tomorrow that was undetectable, everyone would take it!”
Once he got going, Armstrong launched a tirade, taking aim at the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). "USADA has three or four things they keep accusing me of. 'The most complex doping program in history,' 'The biggest cheat in the history of sport,' 'Armstrong forced young men to take banned and dangerous substances.' – that's it, isn't it? Not a single one of these accusations is true!" Perhaps the 44-year-old was particularly sensitive because the recently released film 'The Program' bases its plot on the aforementioned accusations. "I didn't stand up for my teammates and force them to dope. That's 100% false."
And as so often in the past, Armstrong reiterated that he was clean in 2009 and 2010 – which is why USADA wouldn't request samples from that period. "That wouldn't fit their neat narrative," the Texan said. However, he will most likely realize himself that the years in which the American was the dominant force in cycling are precisely what's of interest in this investigation. In that respect, many of these statements fit the pattern of recent years, in which he often appeared immature, defiant, and simply unrepentant.
But Armstrong also finds a few conciliatory words – especially towards his (former) fans. "I've come to understand how many people felt betrayed. They felt betrayed because they trusted me. They supported me, fought for me, donated to me, and always stood by me. These people felt like the biggest idiots. That's a heavy burden I have to live with." But Lance Armstrong wouldn't be Lance Armstrong if he didn't find something to criticize even here. "The innocent people really felt betrayed. But those who knew about it and are still acting so shocked – I have a special place in my heart for them."
Once again it must be stated that Lance Armstrong has done himself no favors with his statements. Justified or not, but with the way in which he expresses his anger and frustration, he is tearing down the last remnants of his remaining monument himself.