But for all that surety, we’ve never really known. And so the debate turned into a long war, with each side convinced of its own superiority but unable to prove it. And as with all things Armstrong, your beliefs about him came to dominate your beliefs about more than just one man and how he became such an incredible bike racer. It was a suspicion that all bike racers dope, or it applied not just to the man but his foundation, which surely was either a paragon of philanthropic rectitude or a slush fund devoted mostly to burnishing the image of Lance Inc. As Bill Gifford discovered recently, the truth is somewhere in between.As with all things Lance there is a mixture of hate and hagiography written into every piece as we assess his legacy within the sport. Among fans there are those who look past any alleged transgressions and to his work on the cancer front. Then there are those who see a separation of the two as impossible. Within the mainstream media, bound by a certain set of standards, the story largely rests on a single concept, proof.

Anyway, here is some of the best commentary from around the cycling world. Enjoy, or not.

Charles Pelkey: Red Kite Prayer

Sources close to the investigation say that the decision came as a surprise to many of them, too. The case was being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Doug Miller and Mark Williams, with the help of FDA Criminal Division investigator Jeff Novitzky. The U.S. Attorney’s office did not indicate who decided to end the investigation, whether it was based on a lack of evidence, whether there were strategic problems with pursuing an indictment or whether pressure came to bear from outside the Central District. Indeed, the Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Novitzky and other investigators were informed of the decision only about 30 minutes before the press release was issued. Somehow, I think we’re going to hear a bit more about what went into this decision. I remain curious.

Neil Browne: Browne Eye Media

I also find it interesting that Armstrong has been deafeningly silent about the conclusion of the case on Twitter – his social media platform of choice when he wants to gloat about something. Did his team of lawyers get a hold of him and confiscate his iPhone to prevent him from saying something damaging?

A.J. Perez: Fox Sports USA

Still, Armstrong might want to send a thank-you card to Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens after the US Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles announced Friday it had dropped its investigation of the seven-time Tour de France winner — ending a nearly two-year effort to determine if Armstrong and his teammates participated in doping. For all the millions spent investigating Bonds and Clemens, all the Feds have to show for it is a one-month house arrest sentence against Bonds for obstruction, a mistrial for Clemens and a nation that has become blasé on the topic of drugs in sports.

Anthony Tan: VeloNews

Note the reasons for their decision to shelve the investigation – read the statement: “The United States Attorney determined that a public announcement concerning the closing of the investigation was warranted by numerous reports about the investigation in media outlets around the world.” In other words, the federal probe was ostensibly closed, not because there was no evidence, or too much taxpayers’ money had been wasted, or Novitzky, as Armstrong’s defense team repeatedly claimed, had an axe to grind, but due to the number of leaks to the press.

Bonnie D. Ford: ESPN

Critics of all three investigations focused on the government's financial outlay in tough economic times and questioned law enforcement priorities. There is little doubt that if Armstrong had been indicted and gone to trial, federal authorities would have faced a years-long, extremely costly battle against a stacked legal team and a defendant who retains a devoted constituency despite years of persistent questions about his character. Is it possible that this prospect affected Birotte's decision, or was it made for purely evidentiary reasons? There is also sure to be widespread speculation about whether political pressure came to bear, either because of the dynamics of an election year or Armstrong's many acquaintances on both sides of the aisle.

Wade Wallace: Cycling Tips

I suppose for me it’s a bit like when I was a kid and the slow realisation that Santa Claus wasn’t true. My parents didn’t need to pull me aside and tell me. Over the years I put 2+2 together, figured it out something wasn’t right, kept my mouth shut to my younger sister, and know that the truth doesn’t hurt anyone. If you’ve been a cyclist and a fan for a long time you’ll be able to put 2+2 together as well. I have a lot to thank Lance Armstrong for. He inspired my obsession in road racing which has given me a tremendous amount of joy. He helped bring road racing to the level of popularity we enjoy to this day. He has done a lot for cancer, even though it’s debatable if the money is put to good use. I don’t lose any sleep over what I think the truth is. It is what it is, and we’re not going to turn back time if anything is revealed.