Armstrong's good work must be remembered

LEADING Ipswich cycling figure Troy Dobinson believes Lance Armstrong's humanitarian record will eventually outweigh his tarnished cycling career.

The UCI, cycling's world governing body, this week banned Armstrong for life and removed all his results from August 1, 1998 including his Tour de France wins from 1999 to 2005.

He could also be forced to repay his Tour winnings, bonuses and return the bronze medal he won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Armstrong, who overcame cancer to return to cycling, has repeatedly denied doping.

Mr Dobinson said for him it was important to separate Lance Armstrong the person from Armstrong the athlete.

"Everyone is judging him as the athlete, but I look at him as a person," he said. "Obviously I don't tolerate drugs in sport, but for me, everything he's done for humanity, let alone the bike industry."

Armstrong founded Livestrong in 1997 after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and before he first won the Tour de France.

It has raised $500 million and broadened its focus from testicular cancer research to the needs of all cancer survivors.

"It is a big negative for the bike industry, but for me personally I'm on Lance's side with this one; I see him as a hero," Mr Dobinson said.

"Nothing can make up for what he's done, but in the long run I think what he has done outside of cycling will outweigh that.

"Obviously I'll cop a lot of flak for my opinion, but I honestly can't support Livestrong enough."

Armstrong's Race

• He was victorious in the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999.
• He said he would retire after the 2005 Tour but returned and finished third in 2009.
• Last February he finally announced his retirement.

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Topics:  doping, lance armstrong, live scoring, tour de france