“Like a War Chant”: Lance Armstrong Recalls the Time He Sponsored Everything for a Group of Obscene Trolls

Lance Armstrong could not come out clean from the doping accusation in 2012. The cyclist had a great career record before 1999. However, in 1996 he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, that made things complex for him. After recovering from his health condition, Lance resorted to performance-enhancement drugs. When he made a comeback in 1999, he won the prestigious Tour de France, not once by seven times consecutively. From 1999 to 2005, Lance became famous for his comeback.

However, when Lance was detected for doping, he lost his reputation and titles. It took a lot for him to stay calm and handle people’s criticism in the media and public.

How did Lance Armstrong handle the criticism in public?

Lance Armstrong started cycling at the age of 16. In 1989 and 1990, he won the triathlon championship. His professional career began in 1992 when he joined Motorola. After winning several prestigious titles, Lance became a renowned cyclist.

However, Lance had to bear massive mockery and criticism after the doping revelation in the media. But later, he stopped lying and started handling people with patience and honesty.

In an interview with NBC Sports, Lance recalled how a group of individuals trolled him in a bar in Colorado. The cyclist handled described the incident;

“You know it started with one guy and he said ‘hey Lance’ but he said it in a way where I was like I go ‘what’s up man…”

The man used F-word to address Lance and soon the man’s group started chanting;

“Like a War Chant Eff you Eff you”

Lance further stated;

“I thought that would happen every day so the first time but I was so like I was so mad and so shaken sure the old Lance probably would’ve walked over there and got in a fight right which would have been a bad idea but I was like I can’t just take this I have to do something.”

He revealed;

“and so my only thought was to call the manager and say, hey here’s my credit card: everything that that group of people is having today drinks food.”

Read More: “He Liked Being Intimidating”: Way Before Doping Charges Became Public, Lance Armstrong Played Mind Games to Throw Off Others on the Peloton

Lance became an honest man afterward. He refused to adhere to people’s judgment because he wanted to move ahead.

Throwback to Lance’s doping scandal

When Lance made a comeback after surviving cancer in 1999, he was suspected of using performance-enhancement drugs. In 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) proved the cyclist guilty of doping. There were testimonies from his teammates and his blood samples.

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Lance received massive hate among people for his charity. It made $500 million when Lance was shining during the Tour De France for seven years. People accused him of cheating in the name of cancer treatment for the needy.