Armstrong Loses Titles, Some Locals Don't Think Sport, Charity Will Suffer
By: Monica Yantosh
Updated: October 23, 2012
Owner of DFC Cycles and Fitness Greg Davis said there was a previous impact on cycling after Armstrong's first retirement years ago. That's when Davis said he initially saw a decrease in interest in the sport, but has seen steady interest in the years since Armstrong's retirement.
"I don't think it significantly impacts the sport," said Davis. "People are going to continue to ride their bikes, people are going to continue to be involved in athletic events and have fun."
Randy Christian, the Chairman of the Board for the American Cancer Society in Lubbock said hopes people still see Armstrong as an inspiration for those with cancer and that he himself see's Armstrong's work for cancer separate from his cycling career.
Christian said he does understand the International Cycling Union's decision in taking away Armstrong's seven victories in the Tour de France.
"Hopefully Livestrong can overcome this and continue the good work the Livestrong foundation has done in spite of the shadow that has been cast over the organization," said Christian about the Livestrong foundation after Armstrong stepped down from his post.
Davis also agrees Livestrong should hopefully continue to see support. "His foundation is a good project that I think everyone should keep supporting, and I don't think it will be significantly impacted because of what's befallen him," said Davis.
Now, in place of Armstrong's name as the winner of the Tour de France, there will be no name listed. "There's not going to be any winner, there's going to be nothing in the record books other than just a black hole, and so it's unusual," said Davis. "I don't know what to think about that or how that impacts the future."
Armstrong then took this wins off of his Twitter biography.
"I don't think it significantly impacts the sport," said Davis. "People are going to continue to ride their bikes, people are going to continue to be involved in athletic events and have fun."
Randy Christian, the Chairman of the Board for the American Cancer Society in Lubbock said hopes people still see Armstrong as an inspiration for those with cancer and that he himself see's Armstrong's work for cancer separate from his cycling career.
Christian said he does understand the International Cycling Union's decision in taking away Armstrong's seven victories in the Tour de France.
"Hopefully Livestrong can overcome this and continue the good work the Livestrong foundation has done in spite of the shadow that has been cast over the organization," said Christian about the Livestrong foundation after Armstrong stepped down from his post.
Davis also agrees Livestrong should hopefully continue to see support. "His foundation is a good project that I think everyone should keep supporting, and I don't think it will be significantly impacted because of what's befallen him," said Davis.
Now, in place of Armstrong's name as the winner of the Tour de France, there will be no name listed. "There's not going to be any winner, there's going to be nothing in the record books other than just a black hole, and so it's unusual," said Davis. "I don't know what to think about that or how that impacts the future."
Armstrong then took this wins off of his Twitter biography.
