Lance Armstrong considering doping confession

Shamed cyclist Lance Armstrong is said to be considering a confession to doping offences, according to the New York Times.

Armstrong, 41, is considering publically admitting to using performance enhancing drugs and blood transfusions during his cycling career.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) found that Armstrong and the US Postal Service Team had run, “the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen”.

The USADA findings were accepted by the Union Cyliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for professional cycling that stripped him of his seven Tour De France titles in October.

Asked by the New York Times if Armstrong would admit to doping, Tim Herman, his longtime lawyer, said: “Lance has to speak for himself on that.”

One of the reasons that Armstrong may admit to the offences is that he has long-time hopes of competing in triathlon and running events, even though the organisers that run these events have to adhere to the World Anti-Doping Code under which Armstrong received a lifetime ban.

There are also several legal cases against him which may be stopping him from confessing, including one against the United States Postal Service cycling team. The team is accused of defrauding the United States government by allowing doping athletes on the squad, which the contract with the Postal Service clearly states would constitute a default of the agreement.

The Texan, who did not co-operate with the USADA investigation, has remained silent since the sanction although he opted not to appeal the decision.

David Howman, the director general of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said: “To date, WADA has had no official approach from Mr. Armstrong or his legal representatives, but – as with anyone involved in anti-doping violations – it would welcome any discussion that helps in the fight against doping in sport.”

World Anti-Doping rules permit, under certain circumstances, penalties for admitted dopers to be reduced.

Daniel Cotter