Robin Williams, Lance Armstrong: Cyclist Mourns Williams as ‘Sad Friendship’ Detailed

Robin Williams, Lance Armstrong: Cyclist Mourns Williams as ‘Sad Friendship’ Detailed
Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, left, poses with visiting friend, US actor Robin Williams, right, prior to the 18th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Bordeaux, southwestern France, and Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole, western France, Friday, July, 25, 2003. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Zachary Stieber
8/12/2014
Updated:
7/18/2015

Lance Armstrong and Robin Williams, both cycling enthusiasts, were friend for many years before Armstrong’s confession strained their relationship.

Williams passed away on August 11, prompting tributes from many, including Armstrong.

“RIP Robin. I will always remember you as one hell of a friend. I love you and will miss you terribly,” he said via Twitter.

Williams stood by Armstrong for many years as a supporter of both the cyclist and his Livestrong Foundation.

But their relationship was strained following Armstrong’s confession of doping, reported USA Today, describing their relationship as a “sad friendship.”

The two didn’t see each other for months after Armstrong’s on-air confession with Oprah Winfrey.

Before, they had often ridden together. Williams enjoyed cycling, as he related to John Stewart last year.

It’s wonderful, it’s the greatest way to get around,“ Williams said. ”People go no, no that couldn’t be Mork. “I used to ride with Lance in the old days … used to ride behind the uniballer. He would be on the phone, he‘d be hands free, and I’d be like ‘you bastard!’”

Williams did try to defend Armstrong even after the confession, telling Parade: “It wasn’t just Lance. [Most of the] team was doping.”

However, he acknowledged the huge impact of what happened.

“It was literally like a wake for someone who was still alive, this overall feeling that the dream was over.”