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.

Tour de France Stage 19: Bordeaux to Pauillac

This stage lifted–and then dashed–the hopes of legions of Schleck fans out there.  Despite early appearances, Schleck’s legs were simply no match for Contador’s during this time trial.  Contador will ride into Paris with the yellow jersey and 30+ seconds ahead of Schleck.

Schleck, who was disappointed, also acknowledge that “beating Contador is not easy” and that he did his best.  For all of the details about this penultimate TDF 2010 stage, you can read active.com’s take on it here

Tour de France Stage 18: Salies-de-Bearn to Bordeaux

This stage started out quick and ended mostly the way it started, with no overall change in the standings.  Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise presented the yellow jersey and the green jersey is still up for grabs.

The 2010 Tour is almost over, stay tuned for the final installment!

Stage 18 Results
1.    Mark Cavendish (THR) – 04:37:09

2.    Julian Dean (GRM) +00:00
3.    Alessandro Petacchi (LAM) +00:00
4.    Robbie McEwen (KAT) +00:00
5.    Oscar Freire (RAB) +00:00
6.    Edvald Boasson HAgen (SKY) +00:00

Overall Classification
1.    Alberto Contador (AST) 88:09:48
2.    Andy Schleck (SAX) +00:08
3.    Samuel Sanchez (EUS) +03:32
4.    Denis Menchov (RAB) +03:53

5.    Jurgen Van Den Broeck (OLO) +05:27
6.    Robert Gesink (RAB) +06:41
23.  Lance Armstrong (RSH) +37:58

Tour de France Stage 17: Pau to Col du Tourmalet

Schleck and Contador were both center stage today as the two bicyclists went mano a mano up one of the hardest climbs this TDF has to offer.  While Contador retained the yellow jersey, many say the fight is not yet won–Schleck is only 8 seconds behind and is still very much interested in winning the tour.

In what some will consider a nice change of pace, Contador apologized to Schleck for his previous conduct, and acted in a much more traditional way during this stage’s ride.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next stage’s results–they’re bound to be exciting!

Stage 17 Results

1.  Andy Schleck (SAX) – 05:03:29
2.  Alberto Contador (AST) +00:00
3.  Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (KAT) +01:18
4.  Ryder Hesjedal (GRM) +01:27
5.  Samuel Sanchez (EUS) +01:32

6.  Denis Menchov (RAB) +01:40

Overall Classification
1.  Alberto Contador (AST) 83:32:39
2.  Andy Schleck (SAX) +00:08
3.  Samuel Sanchez (EUS) +03:23

4.  Denis Menchov (RAB) +03:53
5.  Jurgen Van Den Broeck (OLO) +05:27
6.  Robert Gesink (RAB) +06:41
23.  Lance Armstrong (RSH) +37:58

Tour de France Stage 16: Bagnères-de-Luchon

If any day was going to be Lance Armstrong’s day, this was it.  Armstrong, who had spoke about one last stage win in his career, was one of the stage’s leaders up until the very end. Alas, he was bested by France’s Fedrigo, but he gave this grueling stage as much as he could until the end.

There were no changes in the overall standing.