Lance Armstrong stripped of French 'Legion of Honor' award

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

PARIS - 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 wasn't authorized to be quoted by name, said Wednesday she was unable to indicate when the decision was made to remove Armstrong's award. She said the organization doesn't traditionally announce it publicly when honorees lose their decoration.

Armstrong declined comment.

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