Lance Armstrong Is Facing Formal Doping Charges

The former cyclist could lose his seven Tour de France titles.

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Less than a decade after his historic Tour de France title run (1999-2005), Lance Armstrong may lose those accolades and his reputation as he faces formal doping charges from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The Wall Street Journal published excerpts of a 15-page letter in which the USADA said several riders and cycling staff members will testify that they either saw Armstrong doping or that the cyclist told them of his use.

The USADA also claims to have obtained blood samples that show evidence of "blood manipulation." Though Armstrong does not face criminal charges, the USADA can ban Armstrong from future competitions (though he retired in 2011) and strip him of previous titles.

Armstrong responded to the charges with the following statement:
"[These] charges are baseless, motivated by spite and advanced through testimony bought and paid for by promises of anonymity and immunity."

With all that the former cyclist has done for cancer research through his LIVESTRONG foundation it'll be interesting to see if these doping charges will tarnish his public image.

[via Wall Street Journal]

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