Global sports brand and Lance Armstrong sponsor Nike have insisted that they will stand by the American cyclist following 'serial cheat' allegations.
The 41-year-old has been accused by the United States Anti-Doping Agency of running "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme the sport has ever seen" during his career, during which he attained a record seven Tour de France titles.
The USADA published a 1,000-page report claiming that 11 of the cyclists US Postal Service teammates had testified against Armstrong.
Nike released a statement, which said: "We are saddened that Lance Armstrong may no longer be able to participate in certain competitions and his titles appear to be impacted.
"Lance has stated his innocence and has been unwavering on this position. Nike plans to continue to support Lance and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a foundation that Lance created to serve cancer survivors."
Armstrong, who survived testicular cancer after being diagnosed with the disease in 1995, was stripped of his seven titles as well as given a lifetime ban from the sport when the American decided not to contest the doping charges against him.
Danielle Joynson
