Belgian cycling great Eddy Merckx angry with Lance Armstrong whistleblowers for speaking up too late "I'm angry at the riders for speaking to investigators," Merckx said, following the UCI's decision to strip Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles and ban him for life Damn it, that they speak up at the time, at least that would be useful. Afterwards is too late. If a rider is concerned about questionable practices, it's his duty to speak up for the good of others. Merckx, nicknamed "The Cannibal" during his career, added that he was sickened by the scandal. "I'm sick, exclusively for my sport," 67-year-old Merckx, who has in the past defended the US cyclist, told Brussels daily Le Soir. I met Lance many times, he never spoke to me about doping, doctors or other things. He didn't have to report to me either, it was his problem but I fell into the trap. I'm amazed at him, above all after what he went through. Cancer-survivor Armstrong returned from the illness to win cycling's premier race every year from 1999-2005. With the American now stripped of his titles, Merckx becomes the joint-record holder again with five Tour de France titles - 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1974.