Andreu: Athletics doping problems could be worse than those in cycling's Armstrong era
With allegations made of a state-supported doping programme in Russian athletics, Betsy Andreu believes the sport's problems could be bigger than those in cycling in the Armstrong era

Betsy Andreu played an instrumental in the downfall of Lance Armstrong; speaking out against the Texan when many others protected him.
But the level of doping that was uncovered by the USADA investigation into the seven-time Tour de France winner could pale in comparison to the level that could be exposed in the sport of athletics.
An investigation carried out by the World Anti-Doping Agency's independent commission revealed allegations of state-supported doping in Russian athletics, which led to the country being banned from competition.
Speaking to the WADA Talks series, Andreu, wife of Armstrong's former teammate Frankie, said that in athletics, like cycling, the competitors are suspicious of each other when they see exceptional performances.
“I think it is going through the same problems, maybe at a level which is even worse than cycling,” she said.
“In the late 90s, I was with another professional cyclist and track and field was on the TV and he made the comment, ‘The average person thinks wow, those guys are really fast’.
“He said ‘the average athlete will think, 'Wow, I wonder what they are on,'.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYCzndGpcKU
While Andreu praised the work of WADA in helping make cycling a better, cleaner sport, she said the Astana WorldTour licence situation has led fans to lose trust in the UCI's commitment to reforming the sport.
Astana, managed by Alexander Vinokourov, were granted a WorldTour licence in 2015 despite a host of anti-doping violations by its riders, even though the UCI requested the team's licence be revoked.
“[UCI President] Brian Cookson I think is a refreshing change, he is a man of integrity, but more has to be done," Andreu said.
“When we see that Astana has so many positives but retains their licence people lose faith in the process and the governing body, maybe rules have to be amended or bylaws have to be made to prevent this from happening”
“We always have to have the governing body believed to be doing what they are supposed to be doing.”
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
‘Moments to live and remember’: Roglič set to win the pink jersey after winning extraordinary penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia
Thomas loses the pink jersey to Slovenian by just 14 seconds
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
The best Memorial Day deals for cyclists
Memorial Day is coming up in the United States. We've rounded up the best Memorial Day deals for cyclists including bikes, apparel, gear and accessories.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
"Failing that drug test was the best thing that had ever happened to me"
Abuse victim and disgraced cycling champion Geneviève Jeanson finds solace in return to bike racing
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
29 cases of alleged doping recorded in cycling in 2022, but only one at WorldTour
Most came from semi-professional ranks, MPCC finds
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Spanish police crack down on doping ring, former Kelme coach questioned
Miguel Ángel López denies any involvement in statement
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
UCI suspends continental team's licence due to doping investigation
W52-FC Porto cannot compete in any races after an investigation conducted by the Anti-Doping Authority of Portugal
By Ryan Dabbs • Last updated
-
Trial begins into French doctor and two others accused of attempting to dope cyclists
Bernand Sainz has been involved in cycling circles for the best part of six decades
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Johan Bruyneel: 'Lance Armstrong was the perfect target to be sacrificed' to clean up cycling
The former rider and team boss says in his era the choice was 'either you adapt and you dope yourself, or you disappear'
By Jonny Long • Published
-
British Paralympic hopeful cyclist banned for three years for doping offence
Erin McBride, who joined the British Cycling team after switching from athletics this year, tested positive for a banned substance
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Two Italian cyclists banned following doping violations
One was an amateur time trial champion
By Jonny Long • Published