Phoenix Park joggers might be familiar with the following street graffiti on the road beside the Magazine Fort, heading down toward the Islandbridge Gate. Written in huge letters in chalk are the words 'Thanks Lance'. The rain has faded it all somewhat, but on certain sunny days you can still see them there, offering a reminder of the day that Lance Armstong rode through Dublin. You might remember that day in August, 2009. It was beyond surreal. Anyone who's followed sports in Europe in the past decade knows that doping allegations follow him like a bad smell. Armstrong was fresh off his second place in the Tour behind Astana teammate Alberto Contador, who'd eventually be busted for doping. In my own mind, I had decided to side with the likes of Kimmage and Walsh over the Hollywood narratives being spun by Armstrong, but still I went down to the Park that afternoon, partly to see Armstrong but mostly to see how others responded to him.
I was startled to see so many cycling enthusiasts turn out to see Armstong that day. I'm not a bike head and only follow cycling during the Tour, but I was surprised at the level of affection expressed to Armstrong as he rode into the Park. Maybe it was a cycling thing, or just a surreal thing to do on a Tuesday. Perhaps it was just a distinctly Irish thing to give an unreserved welcome to anyone graces us with their presence, especially if the person in question is one of the most famous athletes in the world. But there were 1,000 people there that day, and most of them would have known that Armstrong's incredible legacy in cycling was then allegedly (and today almost certainly) tainted.
My question is - now that he's laid down his arms against the USADA and his precious Tour titles are on the verge of being stripped from him, would you ride with him again. Is Armstrong a sporting icon regardless of the offences claimed by the USADA or were we just delusionally supporting him?
