In a shocking twist that could send shockwaves through the sporting world, former cycling champion Lance Armstrong has claimed he was “set up” during the infamous doping scandal that stripped him of his seven Tour de France titles. The bold accusation came during a candid interview on a new investigative podcast titled Pedals & Power, where Armstrong revealed new documents and insider accounts that suggest a conspiracy larger than previously imagined.
According to Armstrong, recent access to sealed communications and testimonies from former teammates and officials points to what he describes as “a coordinated takedown.” He alleged that powerful figures within international cycling organizations sought to use him as a scapegoat to protect systemic corruption and preserve the sport’s image amid growing scrutiny.
“This wasn’t about justice,” Armstrong said during the hour-long interview. “This was about sacrifice. Someone had to take the fall, and I was the biggest name. It was political theater, not a clean-up operation.” He also hinted that several high-ranking officials knew of doping practices but chose to selectively expose athletes based on hidden agendas.
Perhaps most startling is the emergence of a leaked internal memo from 2006—never before seen by the public—that allegedly shows that Armstrong’s test results may have been altered or misrepresented in the official case against him. The document, verified by two unnamed former cycling federation employees, raises serious concerns about how the evidence against Armstrong was compiled and presented.
Cycling analysts and former athletes are already weighing in, with some expressing cautious support for Armstrong’s claims. Tyler Hamilton, a former teammate turned whistleblower, posted on social media, “If this is true, it’s bigger than anything we knew back then. The truth might be uglier—and deeper.” Others, however, urge skepticism, warning that Armstrong has a long history of manipulation.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling, has responded to the revelations with a terse statement: “We are reviewing the claims made by Mr. Armstrong and will cooperate with any independent inquiry should credible new evidence emerge.” While noncommittal, insiders report that a closed-door meeting has already been scheduled.
Armstrong also revealed that he’s working on a documentary with an independent investigative team, promising to expose “everything they didn’t want you to see.” The film, set for release later this year, reportedly includes interviews with former officials, medical staff, and journalists who were allegedly silenced or intimidated during the height of the scandal.
Public reaction has been swift and polarized. Social media exploded with hashtags like #SetUpOrShutUp and #JusticeForLance trending within hours. Some fans have rallied behind Armstrong, calling for a full re-examination of the case, while others remain skeptical, accusing him of rewriting history for redemption.
Regardless of where the truth lies, this bombshell has reignited the conversation around fairness, corruption, and legacy in professional sports. Whether Armstrong’s latest revelations will clear his name or deepen the controversy, one thing is clear: the doping era’s final chapter is far from written.