Armstrong loses sponsor as Australian chief is sacked

The American was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from cycling for life by USADA after he chose not to contest charges despite maintaining his innocence.

Last week USADA published their report, including evidence from 11 of his former team-mates, and concluded the US Postal Service team ran “the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen”.

Armstrong made the decision to hand over the chairmanship of Livestrong to vice-chairman Jeff Garvey “to spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career”.

Nike will continue to support Livestrong but have terminated their contract with Armstrong “due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade”.

Armstrong set up Livestrong in 1997 following his recovery from cancer and the charity has raised nearly $500m to help people affected by the disease.

Nike had previously stood by Armstrong but yesterday announced they could do so no longer.

In a statement, the sportswear firm said: “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.

“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.”

Cycling Australia have also sacked men’s professional co-ordinator and national coach Matt White following his admission to doping.

White was formally stood down from his post after confessing to doping while on Armstrong’s disgraced US Postal Service team between 2001 and 2003.

White found himself in hot water this week when he confessed his role in the doping scandal, with CA drawing criticism for his initial appointment.

However, CA confirmed all aspects of their operations were being reviewed, including their allegiances to the International Cycling Union, who have also been implicated in the controversy.

“It has been a difficult week, to say the least, for those who love the sport of cycling,” a CA statement read.

“The evidence presented is damning, the behaviour of the key players is morally reprehensible and cycling fans have every right to feel let down. The board recognises its responsibility and role in the fight against doping within our sphere of influence here in Australia.”