02 July 2009 - 01H22
'One Tour too many' for Lance Armstrong?
In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, journalist and author Pierre Ballester discusses the controversial comeback of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.
In "Le Sale Tour" (which translates literally into “The Dirty Tour”), journalists Pierre Ballester and David Walsh dissect the Lance Armstrong machine down to its slightest detail. From the creation of his anti-cancer foundation to his unexpected return to competition, the authors look back on the life and career of the seven-time Tour de France winner whose actions, in their view, have been calculated to serve his personal interests.
FRANCE 24 – What was your reaction when you learned that Lance Armstrong was returning to competition and to the Tour de France?
Pierre Ballester – The cycling world had known it for a few days, because Lance Armstrong had previously filed a request with the International Cycling Union. My reaction was one of stupefaction, disappointment; even outrage. I think it’s one Tour too many. He left in 2005, to everyone’s great relief, and now he’s coming back. It’s too much!
2009 TOUR DE FRANCE
F24 – Given the suspicions of doping that surround Armstrong, how could the International Cycling Union and the Amaury Sport Organisation (which organises the Tour) allow Armstrong to come back?
P.B. – You should ask them! We discuss in our book all the special treatment that the International Cycling Union gave him, which it never gave to any other athlete. We also talk about the fact that there was a transfer of money from Lance Armstrong to the Union, a financial transaction subject to all possible interpretations. He therefore enjoyed enormous privileges. In reality, he’s totally protected!
F24 – Why do you think Lance Armstrong is returning after a four year absence? What is he trying to prove?
P.B. – There are many reasons, notably the need to exist, to always be at the top, to be universally recognised. But it's more than that. His primary motivation is to familiarise people with the issue of cancer, or in more concrete terms, with his foundation, which would allow him to become the Abbe Pierre of cycling, the Bruce Willis of cancer, and to acquire the status of a generous public figure. This could legitimise his political ambitions, as he has never denied the rumours that he is interested in running for governor of the state of Texas in 2014.
F24 – Could a Lance Armstrong victory tarnish the image of the Tour de France?
P.B. – The image is already damaged. Year after year, cyclists have been dropping like flies, star cyclists, and the sport’s credibility has taken a hit. Bringing Armstrong back to the Tour de France destroys the sport's credibility, which is no longer the priority of the organisers. The sport is becoming an alibi for making a lot of money and for extensive media exposure….If Armstrong wins, everyone, the media included, will feign enthusiasm for his eighth victory. But that won’t do the sport any favours, nor those who defend its values.
F24 – Is Lance Armstrong safe from mandatory drug tests?
P.B. – Far from it! He’s on the radar of the AFLD (France’s anti-doping agency), which has already dealt with him. He had a hard time getting out of it last March. There was a test that caused quite a stir because it was administered under questionable circumstances. The agency didn’t pursue it, but the fact that he violated rules by being away from the doctor in charge of taking the sample for more than twenty minutes leaves room for suspicion….It’s therefore probable that he’ll have to undergo impromptu testing...
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Comments
tour de france
Lance Armstrong is an inspiration, a man who has fought against the odds. Perhaps it's something that some French have not experienced and can't relate to.
Bad Journalism
This is some of the worst journalism I've seen and an embarrassment to F24. The authors are hacks and bitter babies (not men). F24 should be ashamed of this release.
Armstrong
Man, talk about cry babies. If you want to beat Lanse Armstrong try more practice and less whining. Most of us here in the U.S. had no Idea what the Tour De France was untill Lance started kicking European butt all over there home field.
Lance Armstrong
When will stupid people realise that Lance Armstrong is not a doper. He inspires so many people and yet still some French commentators insist that he is dirty if this so then where is the proof? PUT UP OR SHUT UP!
Pierre Ballester
Why do you continue to give a platform to this person. He seems to make a living of attacking Armstrong, who has never failed a drug test.
Why didn't you ask Mr. Ballester about why the Tour was full of drugs even after Armstrong left? Why didn't you ask Mr. Ballester why he has not done any investigative reporting about the incestous relationship between the Tour, certain media outlets and certain laboratories?
Let's focus on the race.
stupefaction, disappointment; even outrage.
stupefaction?
Noun
the state of being unable to think clearly because of tiredness or boredom?
This guy acts as if Armstrong just got out of prison for doping; its the opposite Armstrong has never tested positive to doping; yet so many other riders have.
I agree with some of the other comments this guy is a nobody, a nothing and an ingrate.
This tour is great!
Lance Armstrong
Can you say 'conspiracy theory?" I think Mr. Ballester uses Lance Armstrong to remain in the spotlight. Without Lance, nobody would print his rubish.
Lance Armstrong...
OK, why don't France get a rider on top instead of this incessant whining from French interests? If Lance is using dopants, it should be easy to prove, no? Until that happens, stick your heads back!
Greetings to all riders.
Whine On
Lance Armstrong I know... but who the heck are Pierre Ballester and David Walsh? They are nobodies. They are crybabies. They are two men who won't live to see another French rider win Le Tour, and they are bitter.