Hincape Tells Feds Armstrong Doped?

According to a report by “60 Minutes” Hincape has joined Landis, Hamilton, and Andreu in claiming that Armstrong used banned performance-enhancing drugs during his long and successful career.  Although Armstrong has never tested positive during any of his races, increasingly damaging allegations have been flying as of late.

But did Hincape really tell the Federal Grand Jury that Armstrong was doping?  The proceedings from the Grand Jury aren’t available for the public, and Hincape released the following statement through his attorney:

“I can confirm to you that I never spoke with ’60 Minutes.’ I have no idea where they got their information. As I’ve said in the past, I continue to be disappointed that people are talking about the past in cycling instead of the future. As for the substance of anything in the ’60 Minutes’ story, I cannot comment on anything relating to the ongoing investigation.”

Armstrong, on the defensive against those who have spoken against him, has launched a website questioning the credibility of Andreu, Hamilton and Landis, as well as refuting the allegations.

This saga seems far from over, unfortunately.  Stay tuned.

For Now, Armstrong “Bulletproof” For Battle With “Court Of Public Opinion”

Although Armstrong himself, bicycling fans, and federal investigators are all taking Landis’ claims about Lance Armstrong’s doping seriously, indications are that Armstrong is essentially unassailably popular in the eyes of the public.

His triumph over cancer, his amazing athletic achievements, and the amount of money he’s given to cancer research are all factors in his durable popularity.  Sales of his merchandise are consistient and guesses put Armstrong’s personal income at about $20 million this last year.

All that could change, though, according to a USA Today article, if the doping allegations were found to have merit. Experts predict his fall would be “epic”, “legendary”, and potentially worse than that of Tiger Woods.  Armstrong continues to 100% deny any direct or indirect involvement with doping, and it is clear that the public would prefer that to be the case.

For the full run-down of Armstrong’s predicament and the public’s reaction, visit USA Today’s online article here.

Michael Ball and Rock Racing Team Named in Sealed Warrant

Michael Ball, a California fashion designer (of the now-defunct Rock and Republic) and owner of the renown Rock Racing bicycling team, has been named in a sealed warrant pertaining to the FDA investigation of Floyd Land.

Rock Racing Team, which had tried–and failed–to sign Landis to the roster two years ago, recently lost its professional status.  Landis served as an unofficial adviser to the team in 2008, and once rode as a guest of the team in the Tour of California.

Given Landis’ doping confessions, the timing of the investigation into the team is unavoidable.  You can check out all the details of the inquiry at the New York Daily News.

Floyd Landis Used Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Now the next question is, did Lance Armstrong?

Landis has been fighting to clear his name since he tested positive for synthetic testosterone at the 2006 TDF.  Finally coming “clean” in an interview with the press,  Landis detailed his extensive, consistent use of HGH, EOP, testosterone and more for the majority of his career.

Determined, it seems, to bring the rest of the dopers down with him, he sent emails to bicycling and anti-doping officials implicating many other well-respected athletes–including Armstrong–as well as team managers and international governing bodies.

Armstrong, who recently crashed in the Tour de California, seems to have bigger things to worry about, namely getting into top shape for the upcoming Tour de France.

For more about Landis’ admissions, visit this ESPN article.

Stay tuned–something tells me we haven’t seen the last of this doping controversy.