The latest investigation into seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has collapsed in the United States but others will continue to probe allegations of doping.
After two years of digging into what Armstrong and his US Postal team were up to, federal prosecutors have given up, with no reason offered by the authorities.
“This is great news,” Armstrong’s attorney Mark Fabiani said in a statement last night.
“Lance is pleased that the United States Attorney made the right decision, and he is more determined than ever to devote his time and energy to Livestrong and to the causes that have defined his career.”
The latest investigation into allegations of doping by Armstrong was a criminal one as federal funds were used to fund the US Postal team but the US Anti-Doping Agency are still on the case.
“Unlike the US Attorney, Usada’s job is to protect clean sport rather than enforce specific criminal laws,” said CEO Travis T Tygart. “Our investigation into doping in the sport of cycling is continuing and we look forward to obtaining the information developed during the federal investigation.”
Armstrong has always denied any wrongdoing but allegations have dogged him since he returned from cancer treatment win seven straight Tours from 1999 to 2005.
It seems this story is far from over yet.
