Nike keeps support to Lance Armstrong

The U.S. sporting goods manufacturer Nike renewed, this Friday, its support to Lance Armstrong, ensuring go "continue to support" the cycling champion accused of doping and its foundation against cancer.

"Nike intends to continue to support Lance and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a foundation that Lance created to help cancer survivors," according to a statement sent by e-mail.

A Nike spokesman stated that the contract with Lance Armstrong comes from 1996. However refused to advance more details about its duration and the money involved.

Nike says is "sad for Lance Armstrong can not participate in certain competitions and see their titles canceled," emphasizing that he "claimed his innocence and remained firm on that stance."