The International Cycling Union’s honorary president Hein Verbruggen has dismissed an article in which he appears to defend Lance Armstrong as “misleading”.

Fresh questions last night emerged over the “triangle” involving disgraced Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, a payment by him to the International Cycling Union (UCI), and a drug- testing laboratory.

A former aide of Lance Armstrong has alleged she was used as a “drug runner” during her time working for the US Postal team.

Pressure is mounting on Hein Verbruggen, the head of the International Cycling Union during the Lance Armstrong era, to resign from his remaining posts on the organisation.

UCI president Pat McQuaid has said the governing body have received USADA’s reasoned decision document and will make it a “priority” to respond within 21 days.