Some Irked That Md. Triathlon Includes Armstrong
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Some athletes are criticizing an upcoming triathlon near Baltimore for allowing bicyclist Lance Armstrong to participate.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the Half Full Triathlon set for Oct. 7 in Ellicott City gave up its status as a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race to welcome Armstrong. That means a loss of prestige, since the results won't count toward national rankings.
Baltimore County athlete Robert Villanueva says Armstrong's participation ruined the race for him.
But organizers say Armstrong's presence will help the event achieve its main purpose of raising money for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency stripped Armstrong last month of his seven Tour de France titles for allegedly using performance-enhancing drugs. He is banned for life from events that follow World Anti-Doping Agency rules.
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