‘He did things I can't even say publicly’ - Greg LeMond makes fresh claims amid bitter Lance Armstrong feud

Greg LeMond has opened up about his bitter relationship with Lance Armstrong, revealing how his opinion of his fellow American changed over time and why he still has no desire to speak to him.

Speaking on Ravito, a cycling programme produced by French newspaper Le Télégramme, the three-time Tour de France winner reflected on his history with Armstrong and the personal consequences of their long-running feud.

Although LeMond would eventually become one of Armstrong's most outspoken critics, he insisted that he had not initially been suspicious of his compatriot.

"No, I didn't have doubts about him," LeMond said when asked whether he had questioned Armstrong's performances early in his career.

According to LeMond, that changed at the beginning of this century following a conversation with a mechanic who had worked with both riders.

"My mechanic was his mechanic, and in 2000 he told me everything. That's when I had all the information on what he was doing."

LeMond went on to publicly question Armstrong's performances during his years of dominance at the Tour de France, long before the American was stripped of his seven Tour victories following the USADA investigation into doping at US Postal.

Armstrong eventually admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs in 2013, but LeMond made clear that his grievances extended beyond what happened on the bike.

"It's more, it's how he treated people, because he treated me very badly for a long time," he said.

LeMond also took issue with Armstrong's behaviour towards other riders, referring to his treatment of Marco Pantani at the 2000 Mont Ventoux stage.

"I don't like his attitude towards other riders, it irritates me."

Asked whether he had taken any satisfaction from Armstrong's downfall, LeMond instead turned to the personal impact of their feud.

"The only thing I hoped for is that he'd leave me alone," he said.

"He did things I can't even say publicly because it involves my family. But one day, I will make it public, because of what he did up until 7 or 8 years ago. It is crazy."

LeMond did not elaborate on the incidents he was referring to or provide further details to substantiate his claims.

As for whether Armstrong now leaves him alone, LeMond suggested that tensions have since eased.

"Yes, we're at ease."

That, however, does not mean he has any interest in reconciliation.

On what he would say if he encountered Armstrong in the street, LeMond made his feelings clear.

"I don't even want to talk to him because, no, he's a bad guy. Yes, a bad guy."