Lance Armstrong Officially Removed From Record Books
"Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling and he deserves to be forgotten in cycling," said Pat McQuaid, the president of the International Cycling Union. "This is a landmark day for cycling."
McQuaid said the organization has agreed with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's sanctions and will not appeal the decision on Armstrong's behalf. The organization, known as UCI, had previously stood behind Armstrong in battles against USADA, but said it was "sickened" by the overwhelming evidence against the former cycling champion, detailed in the USADA's 200-page document.
The document contains statements from 11 former teammates who testified against Armstrong. Some teammates alleged that Armstrong coerced them to take part in the massive doping conspiracy, as well.
UCI officials will meet Friday to consider trying to take back Armstrong's 2000 Olympic bronze medal.
Though drug allegations have haunted Armstrong throughout his career, the recent USADA report seems to have disheartened any remaining supporters. Multiple longtime sponsors such as Trek Bicycles, Anheuser-Busch, and Nike all dropped Armstrong this week.
U.S. soccer star Hope Solo tweeted Monday: "Lance Armstrong was once the greatest cyclist ever known. 7 titles now stripped. What a sad fall from grace."
