Please, name ONE TIME when Armstrong EVER respected a competitor? And “acting like a petulant child” is exactly what he did on half of this tour when it was obvious that Contador was a stronger climber and competitor than him. Armstrong used to chant to opposing riders “who’s gonna be my bitch today?” when he passed them. He left his wife and then told Crow that he wanted to break off their engagement because she wanted kids and he didn’t. He then turned around and got his 20-something new girlfriend pregnant. A GREAT cyclist, but a class-act, Armstrong never was. And no, I don’t believe the doping rumors, so don’t accuse me of advocating that by pointing out his flaws.
He does take synthetic testosterone to replace what he has lost, which to some will always ba an asterisk...
Times when Lance respected his competitors:
1. Waiting on Jan Ulrich when he went over the rail and off the road.
2. Hugging Mark Cavendish after one of Cav’s stage wins.
3. Having Cavendish and Hincapie in one of his videos and showing them all props.
4. Riding tactically in support of Contador in all respects once Contator was obviously the stronger rider even though Contador was regularly disobeying Bruyneel.
5. Freely crediting Schleck and Contador as the stronger, faster riders.
You can criticize him for his family life if you want, but not respecting competitors doesn’t seem like a valid charge.