Lance Armstrong leading the pack

  I like this image of Lance Armstrong leading the pack, at the Tour de France in 2004. This was one of his seven wins, at the Tour de France.  This image speaks volumes about Lance's career.  You can see all the sponsorships displayed on the different bright colored racing clothing. I believe that the huge dollar amounts that the sponsors provided, fueled Armstrong's drive to win in cycling.  Lance is in front in this picture, where he shows a big smile; the group behind him is clearly racing against the huge pack, creating a swarm of competition behind Lance.
  You can see the signature yellow "Live Strong" jersey that signifies Armstrong from the rest of the pack. Live Strong is the cancer foundation that Lance Armstrong founded after his battle with testicular cancer. He is on his one-of-a-kind bike in this picture, further signifying Lance from the other riders.  This image really sums up his career for me: Lance Armstrong leading the pack of racers, at the Tour de France, in his yellow jersey.


Mark Memott, Patrick Kovarick. "If Lance Armstrong Is Stripped, No One May Get His Tour de France Titles". NPR October 12, 2012.Web. October 26 2012.

Free Writing

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. 

Is Doping Necessary to Compete?

  My name is Josh Gustafson.  I am 34 years old. I am an Account Sales Manager for Red Bull Energy drink.  I got married last year, this year I decided it was time to go back to school to start my new career in Radiology.  English is a prerequisite course for the program I will enter next Fall.
   I am interested in the articles I have read about Lance Armstrong's alleged blood doping accusations.  This blog will give me a chance to do a lot of research on the subject including: specific accusations, dropped endorsement deals, what exactly blood doping is, and the reason for Armstrong's stripped Tour de France titles.  I have recently heard a few disturbing comments about the sport of cycling: "It is the dirtiest professional sport right now".  This comment referring to the large number of riders blood doping and using performance enhancing drugs.  I have also heard, "You need to be doping, using EPO, or taking steroids in order to compete in the sport".  These two comments alone were enough to spark my curiosity.