It is pretty much the case though. Lance Armstrong is viewed in Europe exactly the same way people outside of San Francisco see Barry.

Yesterday though, a report commissioned by the International Cycling Union basically said that there is no way that Lance Armstrong was using banned substances during the ‘99 Tour de France. Some of Armstrong’s opponents still question the report, and the expertise the lawyers who compiled the report when it comes to drug testing methods and results.

But the result is a relief to me, but not because I really even care the least about cycling. Lance Armstrong represents a lot more to people in this country than just a record breaking athlete. His story inspires a lot of people and his foundation helps a lot of those struggling with cancer. I really do hope that he was innocent, but it is good to have the report say so. Because, to me, I think that the lives that he has, can, and will affect is much too important. Way more important than his cycling titles.

• Report clears Armstrong of doping in 1999 Tour de France (Arthur Max, AP)