Based on current evidence and allegations, did Lance Armstrong participate in blood doping and the use of performance enhancing drugs?
I would venture to say that he did. I do not have all of the research that I want to draw a conclusion, but my initial thought is that there is a lot of powerful evidence to say that he did use illegal substances. The UCI (Union Cyclist Internationale) has just stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour De France titles, which indicates to me that they have gathered sufficient evidence that he cheated. I cannot imagine that they would strip his titles without very convincing evidence. From my personal experience, where there's smoke there is fire. In this case there is plenty of smoke. Twenty six accusers have come forth against Armstrong, including former teammates as well as trainers.
I think that most people would agree with my initial conclusion-Lance Armstrong is probably guilty of cheating. I am finding many articles indicating cheating against Armstrong and I have not found any articles in his defense. He has been stripped of his 7 Tour de France titles, lost 8 major endorsements not to mention his "clean" image. It seems to be a general concensus that Armstrong is guilty. However, I have seen a few comments stating: "All of Armstrong's teammates were jealous of his success and fame". Lances attorney states about the case, "a one-sided hatchet job – a
taxpayer funded tabloid piece rehashing old, disproved, unreliable allegations
based largely on axe-grinders, serial perjurers, coerced testimony, sweetheart
deals and threat-induced stories." These opposing stories are trying to portray Armstrong's former teammates as liars that are trying to gain notoriety by throwing Lance under the bus.
I want to learn more about the sport of cycling and the competitive aspect of the sport. It seems that this sport in particular, is breeding an underground society of doping and performance enhancing drug abusers. I need to learn more about the techniques the dopers are using, in order to further understand the deception process. This will help me to formulate a strong opinion as to whether I believe that Armstrong is guilty or innocent. I also want to get a firm grasp on the specific allegations attacking Armstrong, this will be the basis for my argument, so I need to have solid information.
I think this is more then competitors who are out to get him. Jealousy is an emotion that is as strong as love, and is driven by hate. I would not put it past anyone to drive a campaign of hate towards someone, and if there is a common goal in mind then I absolutely do think that 26 fellow competitors would be out to get him. I wonder what took these allegations so long to come out? Would be really be foolish enough to drug in front of people? Is this an attack to slander a charitable man who also happens to be successful? I think it is an unfortunate thing if this does prove to be true, he really is an inspiration to so many men, women and children. He holds a special place in the hearts of survivors.
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