Should Lance Armstrong Be Allowed to Race?
by Allie Comeau on October 1, 2008 
1 comment
Due to regulations that require elite riders to be in the anti-doping program for 6 months (after coming out of retirement) before competing professionally, Lance Armstrong might not be eligible to race professionally until February 1, 2009. That would mean he’d miss his Australian comeback ride in the January Tour Down Under.
“A rider who has given notice of retirement from cycling to the UCI (International Cycling Union) may not resume competing at international level unless he notifies the UCI at least 6 months in advance before he expects to return to international competition and is available for unannounced out of competition testing at any time during the period before actual return to competition,” the rule says.
Apparently, there’s some controversy over the exact date Armstrong should be eligible. He raced in the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race on Aug. 9th and his team claims he registered with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency before that, making him eligible in January. But he didn’t officially announce his return to professional cycling until September 9th, which is only 5 months before the Tour Down Under.
“We have to look into that,” Pat McQuaid, President of UCI said. “I am not sure what the exact dates are that he started the program.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Armstrong will be back in the saddle this coming January for the Tour Down Under, although he’s holding out hope for a decision in his favor. Either way, he’ll be set for the Tour de France. Armstrong has said in recent weeks that his return to the Tour de France isn’t about winning, it’s about global cancer awareness.
“By racing the bicycle all over the world, beginning in Australia, ending in France, it’s the best way, the best way to get the word out,” the seven times Tour de France champion said in the article.
“This is the campaign to spread the word, spread awareness and hopefully save lives.”
Armstrong said: “I cannot guarantee an eighth tour victory but I can guarantee you that the Armstrong message will touch.”
What do you think? Should Lance be allowed to ride in January?
July 9th, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
Ban Lance Armstrong. poor loser. poor loser. Years ago he said “If i can’t win i won’t race”