Lance Armstrong gets extension to possibly cooperate with USADA

Stripped Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has requested and received a two-week extension to possibly cooperate with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency in its pursuit of the full details of how he beat the system to cheat and win a record seven Tour titles.

Armstrong’s representatives made the request to the agency before Wednesday’s USADA-imposed deadline for him to give a more complete account of how he and his cycling teammates engaged in blood doping, testosterone use and other improper methods, Armstrong spokesman Mark Fabiani confirmed to The Times.

By doing so, Armstrong could be eligible under the World Anti-Doping Code for reinstatement from his lifetime ban and compete in marathon and triathlon events.

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey last month, Armstrong was reluctant to point out the deceptions that involved individuals such as his now-banned team doctor and perhaps his team sponsors and corporate backers.

USADA Chief Executive Travis Tygart will undoubtedly press Armstrong for such disclosures.

“We have been in communication with Mr. Armstrong and his representatives and we understand that he does want to be part of the solution and assist in the effort to clean up the sport of cycling,” Tygart said in a statement released by USADA on Wednesday. “We have agreed to his request for an additional two weeks to work on details to hopefully allow this to happen.”

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