Armstrong sets record straight

The American won the Tour de France for a record sixth time, but history-making and speeches made way for scandal and tragedy.

American Lance Armstrong made history by winning the Tour de France for a sixth time, but history-making and triumphant speeches made way for scandal and tragedy in another up-and-down year for cycling.

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From the drugs scandal involving the Cofidis team of Britain's David Millar to the untimely death of former Tour de France and Giro winner Marco Pantani, fans of the sport seemed to be continually reminded of its seedier side.

It remains to be seen whether the International Cycling Union's (UCI) major reforms for next year does anything to change old habits.

Some purists would certainly swap the benefits supposedly on offer by the Pro Tour, which is due to begin in January, for a much healthier fresh start.

After the Cofidis affair, which led to multiple sackings and eventually snared 27-year-old Millar, and the death of Pantani from a cocaine overdose, it appeared things couldn't get worse.

Then Spanish rider Jesus Manzano, sacked from the Kelme team for being found in female company while competing on the Tour of Spain, launched a whole series of stunning allegations about the kind of systematic doping that went on in his team.