Former Spanish cyclist Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano has recounted how the former world champion did everything he could to oust him from the podium of the 2002 edition of the Grand Prix du Midi Libre.
Tongues are gradually loosening around the sulphurous Lance Armstrong. The former fallen champion, who revealed that he had doped for a large part of his career, has not made many friends in the peloton, particularly because of his short-tempered nature.
‼ Igor González de Galdeano recuerda al 'verdadero' Lance Armstrong
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000🤬😯 Le insultó en carrera y conspiró para no compartir podio: manipular para ganar a costa de cualquier cosa
📚🚴 En "Líderes de amarilllo" y en el podcast:https://t.co/OA5ETDp7WV pic.twitter.com/jGEJ4UXdvt
— SER Ciclista (@SERCiclista) January 27, 2025
Former Spanish rider Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano returned to the Spanish podcast Ser ciclista, on an episode that pitted him against the Texan during the last edition of the Grand Prix Cycliste du Midi Libre, in 2002. “I was strong and I started to attack him. One of my surprises was when he started to insult me, revealed Gonzalez de Galdeano. The truth is that his unsportsmanlike side and the lack of respect he had for his opponents really bothered me surprised”.
“I couldn't get on the podium”
But the Spaniard's troubles weren't over. Indeed, Armstrong reportedly continued his complaints against his runner-up in the event after the race. “When we reached the finish line, I was second, and the race director came to tell me that I couldn't get on the podium, because if I did, Armstrong wouldn't get on the podium”, says Gonzalez de Galdeano.
Ironically, the American, convicted of doping, was disqualified by the UCI. The latest edition of the Grand Prix Midi Libre therefore has no winner, with Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano remaining runner-up in a race without first place.