MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY - MCCONAUGHEY AND ARMSTRONG: 'WE'RE NOT GAY'

MCCONAUGHEY AND ARMSTRONG: 'WE'RE NOT GAY'

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY and Tour De France winner LANCE ARMSTRONG have laughed off rumours they are gay and insist they're nothing more than great friends. The two, along with pal JAKE GYLLENHAAL, were frequently photographed together this summer (06) - often shirtless - biking, running and partying. The pair's close bond even sparked a new term - a "bro-mance." MCConaughey addresses the rumours in the new issue of Details magazine joking, "We tried it (being gay). It wasn't for us." The two Austin, Texas, natives had known each other for eight years, and really began to bond when they both found themselves back on the dating scene at the same time. MCConaughey, 36, had broken up with actress PENELOPE CRUZ, while Armstrong, 35, had called off his engagement to singer SHERYL CROW. Armstrong explains, "Our relationship just kind of developed. He got out of a relationship; I'd just gotten out of a relationship. "We all have those kinds of relationships - and relationship isn't a bad word. "I mean, we all have buds, we all take guy trips, but you take something very normal and you put it in a magazine, and people start talking." MCConaughey adds, "A lot of people don't understand friendship and brotherhood. I have a great friend in him. It's fun going out and living life and doing things at the drop of a hat." Armstrong insists the actor's laid back lifestyle has been a good influence on him - especially when it comes to tabloid gossip. He adds, "His idea is like, 'Look, it is what it is, so go out there and have fun.' He's truly carefree - which is to say, he truly doesn't care."