Lance Armstrong to come clean at last?

BBC News reports that Lance Armstrong is going to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show on 17 January and it is rumoured that the shamed Texan will finally come clean about his doping past.

If he does it will be quite a turnaround as only in November he tweeted this picture of himself below the heading 'Back in Austin and just layin' around...'. No sign of remorse and certainly no suggestion he was considering admitting all in the near future.

A statement on Oprah Winfrey's website says the following:

'Oprah Winfrey will speak exclusively with Lance Armstrong in his first no-holds-barred interview. Armstrong will address the alleged doping scandal, years of accusations of cheating, and charges of lying about the use of performance-enhancing drugs throughout his storied cycling career.

The special 90-minute Thursday night episode of Oprah's Next Chapter will air Thursday, January 17 (9:00 – 10:30 p.m. ET/PT) on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. In addition-the interview will be simultaneously streamed LIVE worldwide on Oprah.com and Facebook.com/owntv

In the interview, Winfrey speaks with Armstrong at his home in Austin, Texas in the only interview since the seven-time Tour de France winner was stripped of his titles and dropped from millions of dollars in endorsement deals after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency released an extensive report accusing the renown cyclist of doping throughout his career. Armstrong was given a lifetime ban on competing professionally. Late last year, Armstrong resigned as chairman of the foundation he created, Livestrong, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in the fight against cancer.'

It should make for some compelling viewing, to say the least, even putting aside Winfrey's' cosy interviewing style. If he does come clean, then this is going to be one of the major TV moments of the decade - definitely one not to miss!

Tags: doping, lance armstong, oprah winfrey

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Comment by Joe Johnson on January 17, 2013 at 22:36: It's going to be interesting, but I can't help but thinking Oprah will be throwing softballs. She isn't a hard journalist, so it's hard to say how it will be structured. The quote from Matt DeCanio is pretty on the mark when it comes to how she interviews. I also wonder what Oprah is paying for the story, and if it will help Armstrong dig out of his financial hole.....

Comment by Max Tucker on January 17, 2013 at 21:06: No matter what one thinks, the photo is pretty impressive. He's got balls (!) to post it...........

Comment by Max Tucker on January 17, 2013 at 21:03: After all the speculation I will be amused if he spends the whole interview denying doping!

Another instance of total lack of respect for the authorites by going (I assume) public on a chat show instead of "fessing" up to the UCI et al.

I was a big fan, like most, and the doping issue doesnt grate with me so much now as it did. Mainly because in retrospect it seems pretty obvious what he was up to. However his arrogance and seemly bullying does not sit well with me. He's not the only doper out there and plenty of other heroes have been found out.

Tomorrow we will have more of an an insight into the man. here endeth the lesson......

Comment by Dave Nash on January 13, 2013 at 21:00: Worth reading this Guardian that suggests Armstrong may offer a limited apology. Not sure what we should make of Armstrong saying he will answer the questions honestly and candidly - this is a man who has spent the last 15+ years lying, intimidating and misleading.

Comment by Andy Dawson on January 9, 2013 at 14:11: I'll definitely watch this though on a catch-up service/Youtube - can't see myself waiting up until 2am GMT to tune in!

I still doubt that he will come clean (no pun intended). I just feel the hole he's dug is too deep.

Also,check-out this story on the Beeb - some damning comments from David Millar and from former team-mate Matt DeCanio - both ex-dopers. DeCanio says:

"Oprah Winfrey appeals to the general American public who shops at Wal-Mart, doesn't know up from down or left from right and just wants to hear a feelgood story," He also goes on to say: "He is basically going to do and say anything [including tears] that will mean that you can still buy a candy bar with his face on it or a bicycle that he endorses."