Nike drops Lance Armstrong in the wake of doping scandal

Last week Armstrong was exposed as a drugs cheat in a report by the US Anti-Doping Authority. The 200-page report detailed evidence from Armstrong’s team members and medical evidence that said the prolific winner of the Tour de France had been the lead figure in a “sophisticated doping operation”.

Armstrong refused to formally contest charges laid against him by USADA and as a result has been stripped of his seven Tour de France wins.

Nike, which has sponsored Armstrong for the last 13 years, has terminated its sponsorship deal with the cyclist in the face of “insurmountable evidence” against him.

It also sponsors Armstrong’s cancer charity Livestrong, and said it will continue to do so.

Read the doping evidence against Lance Armstrong.

“Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him,” a statement from the company said.

“Nike does not condone the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs in any manner. Nike plans to continue support of the Livestrong initiatives created to unite, inspire and empower people affected by cancer.”

Armstrong has now said that, to “spare the foundation any negative effects” from the scandal, he would end his chairmanship of Livestrong.

He said: “I have had the great honour of serving as this foundation’s chairman for the last five years and its mission and success are my top priorities.

“Today therefore, to spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career, I will conclude my chairmanship.”

He added: “My family and I have devoted our lives to the work of the foundation and that will not change. We plan to continue our service to the foundation and the cancer community. We will remain active advocates for cancer survivors and engaged supporters of the fight against cancer.”