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Highlights on Off The Ball
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'I'm stunned O'Reilly doesn't think Armstrong's using her'

Listen to the full interview via the podcast Last night we had a studio interview with Lance Ar...



'I'm stunned O'Rei...
Golf

'I'm stunned O'Reilly doesn't think Armstrong's using her'

Listen to the full interview via the podcast

Last night we had a studio interview with Lance Armstrong's former soigneur Emma O'Reilly who told Ger how and why she came to a point where she has forgiven the cyclist for his hurtful remarks and attempts to discredit her.

Like O'Reilly, Betsy Andreu - wife of former US Postal rider and ex-Armstrong team-mate Frankie Andreu - was one of those who vocally spoke out about Armstrong and admitted she was stunned by O'Reilly's decision to trust Armstrong again, having listened to Ger's interview.

"[What stunned me] was that she doesn't think she's being used. If we look at Lance's history, he is a masterful manipulator and I understand the complete forgiveness aspect of this because right after he called, I went on TV in America and said 'let's give him a chance'. I'm a practicing Catholic and I understand that forgiveness is a tenet of my religion. This is a learning lesson and so I wanted to forgive him. So for three months, I kept in touch with Lance and I wanted him to meet with Travis and tell him everything and give David Walsh an interview. He said 'okay we will meet,'" said Andreu, explaining that Armstrong "kept her at bay" before refusing to meet with her at the "11th hour".

"And I said, that's it! I know he's playing me!"   

She explained why she does not believe Armstrong is contrite and firmly believes that O'Reilly is being used by the Texan. Andreu also believes that O'Reilly's book gives Armstrong "carte blanche".

She believes that Armstrong is trying to sway public opinion by publicly making amends with former critics.

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