Lance Armstrong’s legacy: Is it ruined? [poll]

Lance Armstrong opened the door for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to finish its prosecution of the seven-time Tour de France winner.

The agency says that Armstrong, a cancer survivor who won cycling’s toughest test from 1999 to 2005, repeatedly took part in illegal performance-enhancing activities, from blood doping to use of illicit drugs. They will ban him from cycling for life and strip him of his titles.

Armstrong has repeatedly denied breaking any rules during his storied career, which came to an end last year when he announced his retirement. He also never tested positive for banned performance enhancers.

To complicate matters, the governing body of the sport, the International Cycling Union, has sided with Armstrong in claiming the USADA has no jurisdiction in the matter.

“There comes a point in every man’s life when he has to say, ‘Enough is enough,’� Armstrong, 40, wrote in a statement.

On the flip side, USADA Chief Executive Travis Tygart said: “This is a heartbreaking example of how the win-at-all-costs culture of sport, if left unchecked, will overtake fair, safe and honest competition.�

Regardless of whom you believe, the court of public opinion will eventually rule.

Which brings us to the following poll question: Will this tarnish Armstrong’s reputation as a champion cyclist?

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