This book does a pretty good job explaining his role: https://www.amazon.ca/Secret-Race-Inside-Hidden-France/dp/034553042X/ref=asc_df_034553042X/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292845243006&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3799606120274105188&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002376&hvtargid=pla-449588941817&psc=1Didn't Armstrong sue some reporter that exposed him early and ruin their career, basically driving them out of the industry? And they were later vindicated when he was busted officially but the damage was already done?
I seem to recall something like that happening but could have it wrong.
I don't really understand the fundamentals of road cycle racing to be fair. The whole thing seems weird with unofficial sprint "rules", lead riders, tactics, sock infringements, blah blah. Impressive feats of power and endurance though, and the descending speeds are frightening.