Lance Armstrong to ride two stages of 2015 Tour de France route
Disgraced drug cheat to make controversial appearance in charity ride despite being asked not to
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lance Armstrong will ride two stages of this year's Tour de France route.
The disgraced doping cheat, who was stripped of his seven titles from 1999 to 2005 after admitting he had used performance-enhancing drugs during all of them, is taking part in a ride for charity.
The American will ride part of the route alongside former England footballer Geoff Thomas one day ahead of the professional peloton fundraising for Cure Leukaemia.
"We know Lance's involvement has split opinion, so we've tried to be as respectful as possible," Thomas told the BBC.
"The stages Lance will be riding come towards the end of week two, when I know all the riders will need some support.
"I know his arrival will give them the encouragement they will need to carry on with this gruelling challenge and in turn raise as much money as possible for blood cancer patients."
Armstrong, who overcame testicular cancer before the first of his seven Tour 'wins', will ride the 198.5km 13th stage between Muret and Rodez on 16 July and the following day take on the 198.5km 14th stage from Rodez to Mende.
Earlier this year when the idea was first mooted, International Cycling Union (UCI) president Brian Cookson warned Armstrong that taking part would be disrespectful.
"Lance would be well advised not to take part in that," he said. "I'm sure Geoff Thomas means well, but frankly I think that's completely inappropriate."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments