Wisconsin-based Trek bicycle company backs Armstrong

WATERLOO, Wis. (AP) — The company that made bicycles Lance Armstrong rode to victory seven times in the Tour de France is standing by him despite the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency vacating his titles and banning him from professional cycling.

Waterloo, Wis.- based Trek Bicycle Corp. emailed a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday praising Armstrong for his "remarkable contributions to the sport of cycling and the fight against cancer."

The company, with a lobby at its headquarters that showcases Armstrong and bikes he rode, said it will continue supporting Armstrong's endeavors.

Armstrong retired a year ago and turns 41 next month. He said last week that he would no longer challenge USADA. He denied that he took banned substances and called the investigation a "witch hunt" without any physical evidence.