Cycling: French Cycling Federation show no sympathy for Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong signals his seventh win to victory at the Tour de France (AP)

The French Cycling Federation has welcomed the United States Anti-Doping Agency's decision to strip Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles for doping.

Last week, Armstrong dropped any further challenges to the USADA's allegations that he took performance-enhancing drugs and was stripped of his seven Tour titles and banned for life.

"The French Cycling Federation welcomes the perseverance of the US Anti-Doping Agency," the FFC said. "Armstrong's refusal to contest USADA's accusations sounds like an admission of his guilt with regards to breaches of anti-doping regulation."

In the Tour of Spain, Spain's Joaquim Rodriguez strengthened his overall lead with victory in the 12th stage yesterday. Alberto Contador is second with Britain's Chris Froome third.