Lance Armstrong Camp Says Ban Is Hurting Cancer Fundraising

Lance Armstrong’s agent and the head of his foundation said Friday that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s lifetime ban against the cyclist is hurting his efforts to raise money for the cancer charity, says USA Today.

The statements from agent Bill Stapleton and Livestrong CEO Doug Ulman came after the Chicago Marathon barred Mr. Armstrong from the Oct. 7 race, citing the nonprofit doping agency’s order. The organization issued the ban last month after Mr. Armstrong abandoned his fight against charges that he used performance-enhancing substances throughout his cycling career.

“Lance has helped the foundation raise nearly $500 million for the fight against cancer,” Mr. Ulman said. “It’s frustrating and unfortunate that this decision could affect the foundation’s grassroots fundraising efforts.”

The doping agency responded that Mr. Armstrong knew when he dropped his fight against the doping charges that he would be ineligible for sporting events sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Code, including numerous marathons and triathlons in which he had previously competed to raise funds for Livestrong.

A spokeswoman noted that about 250 runners will still race on behalf of the charity.

Read a Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion column on Livestrong’s prospects in the wake of the Armstrong ban.