Armstrong stripped of France's Legion of Honor

Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his award in the Legion of Honor, the best-known recognition in France.

Armstrong was given the rank of "Chevalier" or Knight in the "Legion d'Honneur" in 2005, the last year of his seven consecutive Tour de France victories. He was later stripped of those titles for doping.

A Legion of Honor official, who was not authorised to be quoted by name, said today she was unable to indicate when the decision was made to remove Armstrong's award.

She said the organisation does not traditionally announce it publicly when honorees lose their decoration.

The Legion of Honour was created under Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and roughly 1 million people have received it over the years. It is France's highest honour.