Lance Armstrong’s race to clear his name is over, and he’s not the winner.
The iconic cyclist has given up his fight against claims by the USADA that he used banned substances throughout his career. In a statement to the Associated Press Armstrong called the case against him an “unconstitutional witch hunt,” claiming he had passed all his drug tests with flying colors.
The cyclist said his decision wasn’t an admission of guilt, but that the battle against the USADA had taken its toll on his personal life. The anti-doping agency has acted swiftly in response, banning him for life and strongly recommending he be stripped of his unprecedented seven Tour de France wins.
Armstrong had been accused of doping starting as early as 1996. Along with his Tour De France and other titles, Armstrong could lose his Bronze medal from the Sydney Olympics, and cash earnings from race wins. But apparently Armstrong is ready for the tradeoff—Livestrong can apparently stand for quitting while you’re behind, too.
