Armstrong sends off riders ahead of doping ruling

Banned US cyclist Lance Armstrong speaks at the begining of the annual Team Livestrong Challenge in Austin, Texas on October 21. Hours before his fate and legacy face a moment of truth, the doping-disgraced US cyclist gave encouragement to 4,300 bikers at a charity race in his hometown.

AUSTIN, Texas - Hours before Lance Armstrong’s fate and legacy face a moment of truth in Europe, the doping-disgraced US cyclist gave encouragement to 4,300 bikers on Sunday morning at a charity race in his hometown.

Embattled Armstrong spoke for about 90 seconds before the start of the Livestrong Challenge, a 100-mile cycling event to benefit the cancer-fighting foundation he created 15 years ago. Armstrong stepped down as Livestrong chairman on Wednesday.

“I’ve been better but I’ve also been worse,” Armstrong said. “Obviously it has been an interesting and difficult couple of weeks.”

A record turnout of riders raised $1.7 million for Livestrong on the eve of an decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on whether or not it will follow through on punishments imposed by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

USADA released 1,000 pages of testimony and evidence 12 days ago about why it imposed a life ban on Armstrong in August and stripped him of seven Tour de France titles won from 1999-2005 when he refused to fight doping charges.

Cyclists gather to start their ride at the begining of the annual Team Livestrong Challenge in Austin, Texas on October 21. Hours before Lance Armstrong’s fate and legacy face a moment of truth in Europe, the doping-disgraced US cyclist gave encouragement to 4,300 bikers at the charity race in his hometown.

Since then, major sponsors distanced themselves from Armstrong and he stepped down from his leadership role at Livestrong in hopes it would not be damaged by the controversy swirling around him.

In submitting the report to the UCI, USADA chief executive Travis Tygart called the doping scheme centered on Armstrong “the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen.”

While the cycling world awaited Monday’s announcement in Geneva, Armstrong kept the focus on Livestrong during his appearance in Austin, Texas, which came two days after he spoke to Livestrong donors in a private fundraiser.

“This is truly an honor to be here. I’m truly humble,” Armstrong said. “We have had a lot of lucky breaks along the way, but it has been a special ride.

“When we started this organization 15 years ago if you told me that little organization, that little idea, would raise half a billion dollars, would have touched two and a half million lives around the world, I would have said you are crazy. But those are all true. That’s what happened.”

A cyclist rides past a Livestrong banner during the annual Team Livestrong Challenge in Austin, Texas on October 21 where some 4,000 cyclists will ride 18, 65 or 100 miles in a show of support for cancer survivors. Hours before Lance Armstrong’s fate and legacy face a moment of truth, the doping-disgraced US cyclist gave encouragement to 4,300 bikers at a charity race in his hometown.

Many of the riders were cancer survivors just like Armstrong, who overcame testicular cancer that had spread to his brain and lungs to win the Tour de France seven times — a now-tainted tale that inspired millions into riding.

“I think he’s probably guilty,” said Challenge rider Jenni Stephenson, 32, of Houston. “I think it’s important for people to support the foundation. I don’t think it takes away from a good cause.”

Armstrong’s downfall came in part because of 11 former teammates who testified against him, many of whom said they were pushed into doping because Armstrong insisted on it in an era when dope cheating was seen as rampant.

“Regardless of whether he cheated or not, if they were all cheating, he still won,” said Catherine Young, a 50-year-old bike shop owner.

If found guilty by the UCI, the financial and legal ramifications for Armstrong could overshadow even the doping shame.

Armstrong, who has denied any wrongdoing, has told sponsors and others that he was clean and any finding against him could open the doors to court cases.

If UCI rejects imposing USADA’s punishments, the fight is likely bound for the Court of Arbitration for Sport and UCI’s own leaders will come into question.

Part of USADA’s report notes a payment Armstrong made to UCI at about the same time as a doping positive that was explained away purportedly by a backdated prescription.

Cycling’s credibility is also at stake: Rabobank, a pro cycling team sponsor for 17 years, has backed out following the Armstrong scandal, saying the legacy of doping in the sport is too great to justify continuing their sponsorship.

The Tour de France’s race director has already said he does not want to award the titles for 1999 through 2005 to other riders if Armstrong is stripped of the victories.