Lance Armstrong Lashes Out at French Officials

“Was winning the Tour seven times that offensive?” Armstrong asked on his Twitter page. The cyclist was responding to the ongoing speculation of doping- this time from French officials who he feels have gone overboard in their claims. The French Anti-doping Agency (AFLD) announced Monday they had sent a report to the International Cycling Union and World Anti-Doping Agency regarding Armstrong’s seemingly suspicious behavior during a recent test.

"Outrageous reports yesterday coming out of France allege that I 'misbehaved' during a recent unannounced drug test performed by the French government while I was training in southern France in early March," Armstrong quickly responded. "This 24th test, which included a blood test, a urine test, and a test of a substantial quantity of my hair, was also negative. I returned home that day after a long training ride to find a man chasing me as I rode up to the house.”

The big issue in question was a 20-minute shower Armstrong took while his team manager checked the man’s credentials. The cyclist gave his version of events, including the fact that he asked the inspector if he could wash off: “I was there with Johan Bruyneel and two other people. We told the tester we wanted to check with the UCI to confirm who he was and to make sure he wasn’t just some French guy with a backpack and some equipment to take my blood and urine. Johan stayed with him and in his presence called the UCI to find out what was going on. We asked if it was OK for me to run inside and shower while they made their calls and the tester said that was fine."

"I find it amazing that I've been tested 24 times without incident and the first test I do in France results in more outrageous allegations and negative leaks to the press,” he insisted. “This is just another example of the improper behavior by the French laboratory and the French anti-doping organizations. I am sorry that they are disappointed that all the tests were negative, but I do not use any prohibited drugs or substances."

The AFLD is awaiting response from the International Cycling Union before they decide whether Armstrong infringed on the world anti-doping code.

(Photo: Splash News)