AIGLE, Switzerland (BRAIN) — The international cycling union UCI on Monday drove the final nail into Lance Armstrong's doping punishment, announcing that it would not appeal the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's finding that Armstrong doped for much of his professional career.
The UCI's decision not to appeal USADA's ruling inspired Oakley to announce it was cutting ties to Armstrong.
Oakley was Armstrong's last remaining major sponsor. Last week most of Armstrong's other sponsors, including Trek Bicycle and Nike, cut ties.
Oakley's statement:
Based on UCI’s decision today and the overwhelming evidence that USADA presented, Oakley has severed its longstanding relationship with Lance Armstrong, effective immediately.
When Lance joined our family many years ago, he was a symbol of possibility. We are deeply saddened by the outcome, but look forward with hope to athletes and teams of the future who will rekindle that inspiration by racing clean, fair and honest.
We believe the LIVESTRONG Foundation has been a positive force in the lives of many affected by cancer and, at this time, Oakley will continue to support its noble goals.
In related news on Friday USA Cycling announced Friday that it was renaming the Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series. Armstrong had supported the series for 20 years. It has been renamed the Road Development Race Series.
“Lance Armstrong supported the junior race series for over 20 years,” said USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson in a statement. “However, given the recent revelations involving Mr. Armstrong and in order to continue to grow this development program, we feel it is only appropriate to initiate this change of title not only for this program and its race directors, but also for the bright future of budding American cyclists.”
