WADA president says strong evidence of doping on Lance comeback

Lance Armstrong’s insistence that he had stopped doping when he made his Tour de France comeback in 2009 has been challenged following his appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show.

The 41-year-old confessed to doping during all seven Tour de France title victories but was adamant he did not do so during his comeback.

The US Anti-Doping Agency has, however, produced evidence that he did, according to WADA president John Fahey.

Fahey told the Daily Telegraph: “The evidence from USADA is that Armstrong’s blood tests show variations in his blood that show with absolute certainty he was doping after 2005. Believe USADA or believe Armstrong? I know who to believe.

“It struck me that the statute of limitations under US law might be relevant and Armstrong would not want to admit to anything in regards to his comeback [in 2009] that might be picked up under the US criminal code.”

USADA meanwhile called on Armstrong to admit to the full extent of his drug use under oath.

“Lance Armstrong has finally acknowledged that his cycling career was built on a powerful combination of doping and deceit,” said USADA chief executive Travis Tygart.

“His admission that he doped throughout his career is a small step in the right direction. But if he is sincere in his desire to correct his past mistakes, he will testify under oath about the full extent of his doping activities.”