Controversial cyclist Lance Armstrong: I am Voldemort

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong has compared himself to Voldemort, the primary antagonist in the fictional Harry Potter novels, and rejected criticism from the UCI president Brian Cookson as he prepares to ride the Tour de France route.

Armstrong was stripped of his seven tour titles in 2013 after belatedly admitting doping during his career.

Previously Armstrong has said he would be willing to cheat again if given the chance and believes he should be forgiven for his actions.

He likened his treatment to that of fictional character Voldemort, who derives fear from the magic community in JK Rowling's novels to the extent that hardly any character dares utter his name.

"I'm that character in Harry Potter they can't talk about," he said. "Voldemort? It's as if you can't mention him.

"I'm the one everybody wants to pretend never lived. But that will not be the case for ever because it can't be the case forever. That won't work, people aren't stupid. We know what happened.

"I mean, I tried to make it right with every one of those people (who were hindered either by Armstrong's doping or denial of doing so). I can only do so much."