The article does make some good points about why we put Armstrong on a pedestal. However, there are some errors in some of the author's assumptions.
1. "Even though much of his cancer treatment was about using the right drugs at the right time, and consequently wouldn't Armstrong be up to speed about what drugs can do for you?"
I am not a doctor. As far as I know, the drugs taken during cancer treatment kill your body. They make you weaker b/c they must kill the cancer cells. These drugs are far from the performance-enhancing drugs used by athletes.
2. The author was saying how physically freakish the feats of the typical North American Athlete are. Although pro-cyclists don't look like it, they are freaks as well in the severe punishment that their bodies can handle.