Stars on Mars had enough drama from the pilot episode onwards to keep the audiences engaged. The reality show became popular for its intense competition and the clashes between the contestants. One of the most talked about clashes happened between Lance Armstrong and Ariel Winter. In the latest episode of the hit show, one of the athletes, Lance Armstrong, decided to leave the show abruptly, shocking both the viewers and the remaining contestants.

Lance Armstrong, a professional American cyclist, walked out of the Stars on Mars show on his own accord. Armstrong wanted to leave the show and waited for the elimination round. He had decided to leave even before the day’s task began, making it clear that the clashes had really got to him.

Lance Armstrong bows out of ‘Stars on Mars’ to escape further clashes

At the start of episode 9 on August 7, Lance Armstrong confessed to Cat Cora, saying, “I’m going home today”. The famous chef did not believe that Armstrong was serious, but as the episode progressed, it became evident that his decision was final. The cyclist clashed with Modern Family actress Ariel Winter throughout the whole season. He also had some heated exchanges with Olympic gold medalist Adam Rippon. The celebrated figure skater even referred to Armstrong as “the greatest cheater in American history” in an interview with The Daily Beast.

Armstrong and Ariel Winter had paired up for the task on that day. The champion cyclist honored his word from before when he said, “I don’t need the drama”. Throughout the task, Winter and Armstrong worked together to finish the game and even guided each other out of a narrow air vent. The day’s mission was to protect their red planet by identifying an invader in their home. According to Yahoo News, “both ended up in the week’s bottom three”. The third candidate for elimination in the episode was basketball ace Paul Pierce. While all three waited for one of them to be declared “not mission critical,” Lance Armstrong expressed his wish to go home. The pro cyclist later clarified why he decided to exit the show.

Lance Armstrong’s explanation for the departure

Lance Armstong’s fans had always known him as a strong individual who never shied away from a challenge. They could not make sense of this decision and wanted answers. Armstrong gave a reasonable answer, saying that he made the decision for the benefit of the whole team. The iconic athlete said that he was facing difficulties in adjusting right from the start, and that had affected his performance. He feared that by lingering on, he would also be holding the team back from achieving their goals.

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Armstrong even said twelve-odd individuals could not co-exist, especially when they all come from different backgrounds. He was probably referring to the difference in opinion about trans women in sports he had with the other contestants. Armstrong wanted to make an honorable exit, and he felt that this was the only way. The Tour de France winner called it an unforgettable experience that will stay with him lifelong.

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