Hartmann is the same guy that also backed up Lance Armstrong after he had been stripped of his TDF titles. The guy really needs to take his head out of the sand or keep his gob firmly shut. After I read LA Confidential and watched the Armstrong Lie I cannot fathom how anyone could have sympathy for Lance.
I heard Hartmann give an interview when he was releasing his book a few years back and aside from spending the interview name dropping about all his high profile clients he can certainly talk a good talk.
Check out this article of Hartmann defending Lance
http://www.limerickpost.ie/2012/08/30/hartmann-stands-by-armstrong/
some interesting quotes !!
"When asked if he had second thoughts about continuing to display the Armstrong gifts now that the cyclist’s reputation lies in tatters, he replied:
“No, I have not even considered it. Lance is something of an enigma.
“I have no doubt but that he crossed the line and was part of a systematic and very scientific system of performance enhancing drug use. He was part of a culture that was professional cycling at the time, and within the peloton the use of performance enhancing substances was the norm.
“Nonetheless, he brought joy to the world – to win the Tour de France seven years in-a-row was a wonderful achievement. Think of the time, dedication and training he had to put in.
“From a moral and ethical point of view, I deplore athletes who take drugs.
“However, it is well documented that his Tour de France competitors also took drugs. Lance stuck to his guns when the accusations were flying around about him…the fact is, he never tested positive.
“I question the policing system. "
"When it was put to Hartmann that Armstrong- also banned from the sport for life- refused to co-operate after four former team-mates were about to testify against him as part of the United States Anti Doping Agency investigation, he responded:
“Look, the man battled against cancer and had all kinds of allegations levelled against him…there is only so much a person can take. The time came, I suppose, when he wanted to get on with lifeâ€.
Hartmann and Armstrong remain friends since they first crossed paths in 2004, when he was a consultant to sports firm NIKE, and Armstrong was sponsored by them."