Australian state seeking damages from Armstrong

In this Feb. 15, 2011 file photo, Lance Armstrong pauses during an interview in Austin, Texas.  AP/Thao Nguyen, File

ADELAIDE, Australia—The government of South Australia state has pressed says it will seek damages or compensation from Lance Armstrong after his reported confession to Oprah Winfrey that he doped during his career.

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said Tuesday the state would seek the repayment of several million dollars in appearance fees paid to Armstrong for competing in the Tour Down Under cycle race in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Weatherill said reports Armstrong admitted doping during a recorded interview with Winfrey, due to be broadcast in the United States on Thursday, changed the government’s view on its entitlement to compensation.

He said Armstrong “has deceived the cycling community around the world” by repeatedly denying he used performance-enhancing drugs during a career in which he won the Tour de France seven times.