Armstrong admits to doping during Winfrey interview

Lance Armstrong takes part in a special session during the Clinton Global Initiative in New York in this file photo taken September 22, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

AUSTIN, Texas - Cyclist Lance Armstrong confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs in an interview on Monday with Oprah Winfrey, USA Today reported.

Although American media had widely speculated that Armstrong would admit to cheating in the interview, neither Winfrey nor Armstrong confirmed the report, in which the newspaper cited an anonymous source.

"We are not confirming any specific details regarding the interview at this time," a spokesman for Oprah's network OWN told Reuters.

Armstrong has always vehemently denied using performance-enhancing drugs and had never tested positive to a doping test.

The report did not say which drugs Armstrong admitted to using and the American's attorney and his spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Oprah, on Twitter, offered little more herself, other than to say Armstrong came prepared for the interview, which will be broadcast on Thursday.

"Just wrapped with @lancearmstrong More than 2 1/2 hours. He came READY," Winfrey tweeted.

But the television host did confirm she would appear on CBS television on Tuesday morning to talk about the interview.

CBS reported Armstrong, a former cancer survivor who went on to become the greatest cyclist the world has seen, had indicated he may be willing to testify against others involved in illegal doping and was in talks about repaying part of the taxpayer money he earned during his career.

The unconfirmed reports about his admissions followed confirmation that Armstrong apologized to the staff of the cancer foundation he started because of the damage he had caused.

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