Town to burn Lance Armstrong in effigy

LONDON His career is in ruins and now an effigy of Lance Armstrong is about to go up in smoke.

The disgraced American cyclist has been chosen as the latest celebrity to be burned in effigy during an English town's nationally famous Bonfire Night celebrations.

Edenbridge in southeast England has built a 30-foot model of Armstrong, who was stripped recently of his seven Tour de France titles for doping offenses.

The effigy, to be burnt Saturday, sports a sign saying "For sale, racing bike, no longer required."

Towns across Britain light bonfires and set off fireworks on Nov. 5 to commemorate Guy Fawkes' failed plot in 1605 to blow up Parliament.

The bonfires are traditionally topped with an effigy of Fawkes but have been decorated with contemporary figures over recent years.

Previous Edenbridge effigies include comedian Russell Brand and soccer star Wayne Rooney.

Meanwhile, the Australian city of Adelaide has stripped Armstrong of its highest honor - the key to the city- following the doping scandal.

Adelaide had a small but important part in Armstrong's career. The Tour Down Under, based in the city, was the first event he contested when he made a comeback to professional cycling in 2009, and his third appearance in the race in 2011 was also his last on cycling's ProTour.

Adelaide city councilors voted 6-1 on Tuesday to strip Armstrong of the key to the city, making him the first of 33 recipients to have the honor withdrawn.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency recently reported extensive evidence that Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs during all seven of his tour victories.