U.S. anti-doping officials raised concerns Friday that fallen cycling star Lance Armstrong’s plans to create podcasts at next week’s Colorado Classic could violate his ban from the sport and threaten sanctioning for the event.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said only that it has “advised” race organizers on the rules. The sticking point is not Armstrong’s “Stages” podcasts per se, but a formalized relationship with an event organizer that could put him in violation of the ban.
“Under the (World Anti-Doping Agency Code), an ineligible individual may not have an official role in relation to a sanctioned event such as the Colorado Classic,” a USADA spokesperson said in an email. “USADA has received complaints about this and after reviewing the matter has advised the Colorado Classic on the applicable rules.”
Colorado Classic organizers said they are evaluating the situation.
“We have been informed of rules that could limit broadcast of the ‘Stages’ podcast from the upcoming Colorado Classic,” race spokesman Curtis Hubbard said in a statement. “We are seeking additional guidance and will make a decision on how to proceed after further consultation with USADA and producers of the podcast.”
He added that the UCI-sanctioned race has engaged in a “media partnership” with Armstrong that includes covering specific expenses related to the podcast but has no input with regard to content and production.
Armstrong declined to comment.
Five years ago, Armstrong’s long-suspected doping that helped him to seven prestigious Tour de France wins blew up into the scandal that effectively ended his competitive racing career. After being stripped of his titles, cut loose by sponsors and sued for fraud, he has sought to move forward in part through his year-old “Forward” podcast in which he interviews a variety of guests.
Recently, he added the podcast “Stages,” in which he offered racing commentary on the Tour de France from his homes in Austin, Texas, and Aspen and drew 5 million downloads, placing him in the iTunes top 10 for downloads in July.
Armstrong has planned to do podcasts of the Colorado Classic, Thursday to Aug. 13, from a studio-outfitted Airstream trailer — an arrangement that race organizers welcomed for its potential to generate interest in pro cycling as the sport continues its decades-long effort to gain a foothold in the U.S.
Earlier this week, Colorado Classic officials said they were “blown away” by the expansive reach of Armstrong’s podcast during the Tour de France and regarded his commentary as a potential boost toward reviving pro cycling’s popularity through “the biggest audience in cycling.”
“I think he has an emotional attachment to racing in Colorado,” Ken Gart, chairman of the organization formed to put on the race, recently told The Denver Post’s Jason Blevins. “If we were launching his new strategy, that would be one thing. But with 5 million downloads, this will help us connect with that serious cycling audience.”
The Colorado Classic combines music, food and drink in a festival atmosphere with the race that will feature stops in Colorado Springs, Breckenridge and Denver. The field includes 16 men’s and 13 women’s teams, with riders representing 23 countries and stage or overall winners from top international competitions.
