FILE - In this Saturday, Sept 30, 2000 file photo Russia's Viacheslav Ekimov, center, winner of the gold medal in the men's individual time trials, celebrates with Germany's silver medal winner Jan Ullrich, left, and U.S bronze medal winner Lance Armstrong at the cycling road course in Sydney, for the Summer Olympic Games. Officials familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press the IOC has stripped Lance Armstrong of his bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics because of his involvement in doping. Two officials say the IOC sent a letter to Armstrong on Wednesday night Jan. 16, 2013, asking him to return the medal. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours, File)
January 18, 2013 - 4:59 AM
LAUSANNE, Switzerland - The IOC is urging Lance Armstrong to provide evidence of his drug use to anti-doping bodies in order to "bring an end to this dark episode."
The IOC says it "unreservedly condemns" the actions of Lance Armstrong, who admitted in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that he had doped throughout his cycling career.
The International Olympic Committee calls it "a very sad day for sport" but lessons should be learned to ensure a level playing field for athletes.
The IOC says "we now urge Armstrong to present all the evidence he has to the appropriate anti-doping authorities so that we can bring an end to this dark episode and move forward, stronger and cleaner."
On Thursday, the IOC stripped Armstrong of his bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013