Armstrong reiterates doping denial

Lance Armstrong has again issued a firm denial against the doping allegations which have cast a shadow over his illustrious career, insisting: “there are exceptional athletes out there”.

The seven-time Tour de France champion, who in September announced he would be making a comeback to cycling in 2009, has been repeatedly accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs, with the claims continuing even after his retirement in 2005.

His return has provoked controversy, with some observers insisting samples the American provided during his record run of titles from 1999 to 2005 should be tested again.

But the 37-year-old is adamant he is innocent of all doping allegations and his success is due to hard work.

“There has been a fair amount of suspicion around me, and a hell of a lot of suspicion around cycling,” Armstrong told 'The Guardian'.

“The level of scrutiny I’ve had throughout my career from the press and the anti-doping authorities is unmatched.

“I’m not afraid of anything. I’ve got nothing to hide. There are seven cups in this room because of my hard work. This next year won’t be any different – even if people hate to hear that.

“I’m going to be focusing on every aspect of the bike, the team, the strategy, the training, the hard work, the sacrifice. There are no secrets.

“To the critics I would say, believe it or not, there are exceptional athletes out there. Michael Phelps... Paula Radcliffe...”

Armstrong insists having his old samples re-tested would be the equivalent of a “kangaroo court”.

“Nobody in their right mind would take that test,” he added.

“Something might have been put in it and your life, your credibility depends on it.

“I’m all for drug controls but if the athlete cannot defend himself, what kind of kangaroo court is that?”

The Texan will make his comeback in the Tour Down Under in South Australia in January before the Tour of California, further racing in France and Switzerland and his maiden appearance in the Giro d’Italia.

His bid for an eighth Tour de France title will then begin in Monaco on July 4, if he receives an invitation from the organisers.

Armstrong became the oldest winner of Le Tour in 2005 and admits he has to train even harder to defy his age, but he is determined to once again prove his critics wrong.

“I have anxiety and insecurity about being 37,” he said. “Let’s not forget I’m the oldest tour winner in modern cycling history and that was four years ago.

“But that nervousness makes me work even harder. We’re doing a training camp in December in Tenerife and another in California with big climbs.

“Normally I wouldn’t smell a mountain until February so I’m starting early.”