Lance Armstrong and the French
Base10 is trying to catch up on recent events. Remember when Lance Armstrong called alegations of doping during the 1999 tour a "witch hunt?" I guess it was. Recently, a Dutch lawyer retained by the International Cycling Union (cycling's governing body) to investigate the allegations originally published by french paper L'Equipe were baseless. He exonerated Armstrong completely and recommended a further invetigation regarding ethical and possibly criminal actions on the part of French anti-doping officials. Witch hunt, indeed.

L'Equipe is standing by its charges.

Meanwhile, in a Reuters interview, Lance seems to be having a good time in retirement. He says:

Armstrong said he "completely let myself go" during a six-month period following his retirement but has now started working out again.

"The objective is to limit the slide," he said. "I'm 15 pounds heavier than when I finished the Tour. And just to feel good. When I exercise every day I feel a lot better."

Armstrong went cycling with President Bush last year and concedes he "took him easy."

"I have to say he tried," said Armstrong "He's very competitive, as you know. I actually like him, personally. He's a likable guy. I don't necessarily agree with his politics all the time."

Armstrong, a cancer survivor, thinks "all time time" about entering Texas politics but he is not sure he wants to expose himself and his family.

"I've seen a level of cynicism and dirty play in sport that I don't ever want to see again, and I think politics is maybe 100 times worse," said the Texan who was cleared earlier this week of doping during the 1999 Tour.

For now, Armstrong is still content to take it easy.

"For 20 years I lived like a monk, but now if you open a bottle of red, I'll be the first one at the table," he said."

- posted by Base10 @ 10:09 AM