Lance Armstrong Banned for Life and Stripped of Tour Titles

After a long battle to prove his innocence over blood doping accusations, Lance Armstrong will be banned from the sport of cycling for life and stripped of his seven Tour de France titles according to U.S. Anti-Doping Agency chief executive Travis Tygart. Picture courtesy of GQ.com.

More Tour de France Doping

Although the 2012 Tour de France ended last weekend it still brought controversy this year as RadioShack-Nissan cyclist Frank Schleck of Luxembourg failed a doping test for the diuretic Xipamide. Schleck was in 12th place at the time the news broke which prompted his withdrawal from the race. A few days later Schleck's B sample also came back positive but he maintains his innocence and determined to find the cause of his contact with Xipamide. RadioShack was the team Lance Armstrong previously rode for and who is now under doping investigations by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Tour de France Rider Fails Doping Test

The Tour de France kicked off July 2nd and now has its first rider to fail a doping test.  Russian rider Alexandr Kolobnev of the Katusha team failed a doping test from July 6th that contained traces of Hydrochlorothiazide.  Kolobnev had four days to submit a B sample and contest the positive result but his team decided to end his ride for the Tour.  Kolobnev was 69th at the time of his departure.

It Must be the Steak

Three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol during this year's cycling race.  His reason, tainted steak he ate at a hotel.  Contador has been suspended by the International Cycling Union for suspected doping.