After the United States Anti-Doping Agency stripped cyclist Lance Armstrong of his 7 Tour de France titles and banned him from the sport for life, the International Cycling Union announced Oct. 22 that it would not appeal the decision.

The New York Times stated Oct. 22 that “the World Anti-Doping Agency now has 21 days to decide whether it will appeal the ruling.” If the international agency chooses not to appeal the decision, then the doping accusations against Armstrong will be settled.

After being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996, Armstrong inspired millions recovery and ensuing Tour De France victories, 1999-2005, inspired millions of cycling fans across the world. Armstrong also founded Livestrong, a charity dedicated to victims of cancer and their families.

Now that Armstrong has been stripped of his titles, the 1999-2005 races will have no official winner. According to the New York Times, Oct. 22, “Christian Prudhomme, the race director of the Tour, has said the organization would not give the victories to the runners-up at the races Armstrong won because so many of those riders have been linked to doping as well.” #