First Time

Pauline Juliard, a spokeswoman for the French cycling federation, said in a telephone interview that the group hadn't begun proceedings to try to recoup money paid to Armstrong. It would be the first time they have asked for money back from a rider, she said.

Armstrong sued SCA for failing to pay his $5 million 2004 bonus. The company settled the case, paying Armstrong that money and $2.5 million in interest and court costs. SCA will work quickly to try to regain almost $12 million from Armstrong, said Jeffrey Tillotson, an attorney for the company.

"If you have a claim, you want to pursue it as quickly and vigorously as possible, particularly if there may be other claimants," Tillotson said in a telephone interview.

Lawsuits could arise from either side, though they aren't very likely, analysts said.

Luxottica Group SpA, whose Oakley brand was the last major sponsor to drop Armstrong, won't try to recoup money paid to the cyclist, said company spokeswoman Cheri Quigley.

'Rebuild Cycling'

"We are deeply saddened by the situation, especially given our longstanding relationship, but we feel it is best for all involved to move on and collectively spend our energy rebuilding the sport of cycling," Quigley, who declined to discuss financial details of Armstrong's contract, said in an e-mail.

That's the approach Armstrong's other former major sponsors probably will take, according to Paul Swinand, an equity analyst who covers Nike for Morningstar Inc. in Chicago. It's in Nike's best interest to focus on public perception by further distancing itself from the Texan instead of pursuing more action, said Swinand, who also covers Adidas AG, Under Armour Inc. and Luxottica.

"Whether you're Nike, Anheuser-Busch, Oakley, you want to have as little noise about this as possible," Swinand said in a telephone interview. "You don't want more scabs ripped off."

Nike ended contracts with quarterback Michael Vick following his conviction for crimes related to dog fighting and with sprinter Marion Jones after a doping confession. It maintained contracts with basketball player Kobe Bryant and golfer Tiger Woods following acknowledgments of adultery.