Backlash over Lance Armstrong's charity ride for former Wolves star Geoff Thomas
Ex-Wolves star Geoff Thomas has defended his plans to ride the Tour de France route with disgraced Lance Armstrong after a leading cycling boss slammed the link-up as 'completely disrespectful'.
Leukaemia survivor and fundraiser Thomas has asked the American drugs cheat to join him when he rides the route of the famous race this summer to raise awareness of his charity.
Brian Cookson, president of cycling's governing body Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), said it was 'inappropriate' and that Armstrong would be 'well advised' not to take part.
The UCI can't stop Armstrong's involvement but Mr Cookson said: "I'm sure Geoff Thomas means well, but frankly it's completely inappropriate
and disrespectful to the Tour, disrespectful to the current riders, and disrespectful
to the UCI and anti-doping community."
Ex-England international Thomas said he understood why people might find it hard to accept Armstrong's support – but he said the disgraced cyclist and fellow cancer survivor had played an important role in his life at a 'critical' time.
Thomas, who recently visited 43-year-old Armstrong at his Texas home, said: "Whatever Armstrong has done since, and I have gone on record condemning his use of performance enhancing drugs, this doesn't remove the importance that he played at that critical period of my life.
"I understand that some people will find it hard to accept Armstrong's support but my take is a simple one: If Armstrong's involvement in Le Tour – One Day Ahead and my goal to raise
£1 million for blood cancer can help save one more life then surely that can only be a good thing."
The event will see Thomas joined by 20 cyclists riding the Tour de France route one day ahead of the professionals, with the aim of raising money for Cure Leukaemia.
Thomas was given just three months to live in 2003 but having survived the disease has gone on to raise millions for charity.
Wolverhampton cycling legend Hugh Porter has expressed his surprise at the link-up.
The four-time world champion said: "I've got no time for drugs cheats.
"I admire Geoff for all the great work he does, particularly after all he's been through.
"I just hope being connected with Lance Armstrong doesn't backfire on him."
Armstrong was stripped of seven Tour de France titles after admitting doping. He is currently banned from taking part in all competitive sporting events.
