Lance Armstrong has publicly aired his dismay at the Union Cycliste Internationale‘s decision to give Michael Boogerd a two-year ban from cycling for doping infringements, calling it ‘pure bullshit’.
Armstrong is banned for life from competing after admitting to doping throughout his career, and was stripped of the 1999-2005 Tour de France titles. He rode against Dutchman Boogerd during that period, notably placing second to him in the 1999 Amstel Gold Race.
@UCI_cycling Pure. Bullshit.
— Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong) January 6, 2016
The UCI announced on Wednesday that Boogerd was handed a two-year ban for admitting to doping during his time as a professional rider with Rabobank, from 1997 to 2007.
Though retired from riding, Boogerd was involved with Dutch team Roompot-Oranje Peloton as part of its management. Boogerd’s ban will expire on December 21 2017.
>>> Former Rabobank rider Michael Boogerd banned for historical doping offences
Although Armstrong did not elaborate on his two-word reply to the UCI, the Texan has previously said that he feels that he is a scapegoat for an era of doping in professional cycling. He has a lifetime ban, while others – like Boogerd – are handed a two-year ban.
Like Armstrong, Boogerd admitted to using banned blood booster EPO, blood transfusions and other performance-enhancing drugs during his time as a rider.
