SEVEN-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong rode out of Brisbane an angry man today after a Courier-Mail reporter asked him a question about an inquiry into allegations of drug use during his career.

Armstrong and leading Australian cyclist Robbie McEwen had just led an adoring throng of 2500 cyclists on a 25 kilometre ride through the city to raise funds for flood victims.

The Queensland Ride Relief raised over $125,000 but the mood turned ugly when Armstrong was asked about a comment he had posted on Twitter on Friday.

Commenting about a US Anti-Doping Authority inquiry into allegations raised recently in US magazine Sports Illustrated, Armstrong wrote: ""Great to hear that USADA is investigating some of SI's claims. I look forward to being vindicated."

When the reporter mentioned the Tweet, Armstrong - still seated on his bike - snapped: "I'm not talking about that," and rode straight past a television news crew waiting to tape a pre-arranged interview, got into his car and headed to the airport for a flight to New Zealand.

Brisbane-born McEwen, who had asked Armstrong to take part in the ride, reacted angrily, telling the reporter it was "not the day" to ask such a question.

Earlier, when interviewed on stage, McEwen had told the crowd that helping organise the event was, "up there with any of the wins in my career."

Originally published as Armstong storms off from charity ride