Despite the fantastic work of Britain’s cyclists at the Olympics merely a couple of weeks ago, the sport of cycling has once again come under the microscope this week with its dealings and continual tarnishing of its reputation through the drug usage by major names of the sport. This time however, it is arguably the sport’s biggest name, Lance Armstrong. Accused by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) of taking performance-enhancing steroids at the time when Armstrong was dominating the cycling world, with seven consecutive Tour de France victories, the accusations arose as a major surprise. This is because Armstrong has never failed a drugs test (although critics have argued there was no test for EPO when he was competing) and reached his sporting prowess after an incredible life story where he overcame cancer to get back on the bike and achieve his global supremacy. It is a major tarnishing of the man’s reputation, and yet, many are refusing to jump on the bandwagon of another huge cycling star being tainted with the same brush as the likes of Contador, Schleck, and the rest.
This is predominantly due to there being no hard evidence, as of yet, being unveiled by USADA, that shows Armstrong to be guilty. Despite this, there has to be genuine concerns as to what the anti-doping agency have acquired for Armstrong to give up on any legal battle to clear his name, claiming he was too tired to fight the charges. Most would consider this an admission of guilt. For someone so successful and inspirational to so many, to end up giving up so weakly, in a manner that goes completely against the character people have of Armstrong strikes significantly of somebody who knows they are guilty but would rather the damning information be never unveiled publicly. He has lost the seven major titles that defined his career. He is banned from the sport for life. It is as if he is happy washing his hands of the sport, and has no desire to be associated with it. Although he still refuses to admit guilt, his manner and stance suggests otherwise. He claims to have grown tired of the accusations and battle, but why throw so much money into a legal case and put in all that effort to save your name if you are only going to back out later on?
On the other hand, many accusations have been thrown at Armstrong in the past, all of which were batted away without much of a second thought. Although, his achievements did seem super-human, you would also have to argue, that to go through his whole career without a drugs test not once indicating that he may have had even the slightest use of drugs is also pretty miraculous. The tests might not be like they are now, but they still uncovered drug cheats. Plus, if there wasn’t a fair test for a drug at the time, then it is harsh to claim to claim it is illegal. What also seems bizarre is that it has taken this long for the revelations to be made. Armstrong won his first title back in 1999, approaching fifteen years ago now, and it is only now that he is being stripped of his titles. In essence, the claims are that he was using performance-enhancing drugs fifteen years ago. That is some claim and thus, the necessity for proof I think is massive as you would have thought something already would have been unveiled beforehand if Armstrong was guilty all those years back.
It should be noted that the UCI (International Cycling Union) very much abide by the innocent until proven guilty rule, and so they themselves, have yet to take Armstrong’s Tour de France titles off him. They also appear to be quite disgruntled about USADA’s dealings and large involvement in competitions that the UCI to be considered over and clean. Subsequently, if they feel the evidence that they hold is insignificant or not strong enough, then it would be no surprise to see them take the matter to the Court of Arbitration. If this occurs though, then expect everything to come out in the public domain, which is arguably what Armstrong doesn’t want to happen. Having said that, it would once and for all, end any accusations towards Lance Armstrong and his reputation for life would ultimately be decided. Also, if the Court decides to side with USADA, then the credibility of UCI is also going to be greatly damaged. There is a very fine line between everything currently, with the reputation of the sport certainly at risk once more.
I feel it is important for the sport now that USADA actually reveal the alleged evidence they have. Otherwise, the accusations will forever look like ones that were politically motivated and driven by bitterness of those who were less talented than Armstrong. Particularly as the only evidence that they appear to have is the testimonies of ten former team-mates of Armstrong. What is for certain is that the situation is one that, if it isn’t already, is becoming a very messy one, and as Chris Froome described it, one that is only bringing a negative image to the sport. Despite the success British individuals seem to be attaining from the sport currently, it is still one of the highest drug abused activities out there in the professional sphere. However, maybe we’re at a time where concentration needs to be focussed more on catching those who compete currently rather than those who potentially were cheats many years ago. There has to be a time where records are put to bed and left alone. But there also needs to be a message that performance enhancing drugs are not welcome in sport. Not now, not ever.
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