Lance Armstrong’s ties to Colorado Classic might violate cycling ban

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.

Read on for the complete article from The Denver Post.