Lance Armstrong, Tour De France Winner, Fails To Block Doping Case Against Him

POLL: Armstrong Fails To Stop Doping Case Against Him

Lance Armstrong's legal action against the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has been dismissed in court.

The seven-time Tour de France winner, who was charged by USADA in June with using performance-enhancing drugs, filed a lawsuit in a US federal court asking for a temporary restraining order against the agency.

Armstrong had been issued with formal doping charges by USADA but then counter-claimed that the agency had offered 'corrupt inducements' to other cyclists to testify against him.

However, the decision taken today in a Texas court means Armstrong will now have to face the doping charges and also the prospect of losing his record-breaking total of seven Tour de France titles.

The 40-year-old has always denied claims he had ever used performance-enhancing drugs during his career but USADA chief executive Travis T Tygart believes Armstrong should face the same proceedings as any other athlete charged with doping offences.

He said: "We are pleased that the federal court in Austin, Texas has dismissed Lance Armstrong's lawsuit and upheld the established rules which provide Congressionally mandated due process for all athletes.

"The rules in place have protected the rights of athletes for over a decade in every case USADA has adjudicated and we look forward to a timely, public arbitration hearing in this case, should Mr Armstrong choose, where the evidence can be presented, witness testimony will be given under oath and subject to cross examination, and an independent panel of arbitrators will determine the outcome of the case."

USADA launched legal proceedings against Armstrong for alleged doping violations going back 16 years.

Five others - three team doctors and two officials - associated with the United States Postal Service (USPS) professional cycling team are also the subject of legal proceedings from USADA.

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