Seven-time Tour De France winner Armstrong cleared of doping charge

London Mercury (ANI) Saturday 4th February, 2012

Seven-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong has been cleared of doping allegations, concluding a nearly two-year long inquiry.

The prosecutors decided to drop the doping charge against Armstrong on Friday.

Armstrong had consistently denied doping charges and rejected claims that he had participated in a doping program.

The doping charges had threatened to cast shadow over his legendary career and also seemed to have blemished his cancer charity work.

His attorney Mark Fabiani has said Armstrong is delighted with the verdict and is determined more than ever before to devote his time and energy to Livestrong, his foundation that works for cancer patients.

"This is great news. 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 Telegraph quoted Fabiani, as saying.

The inquest was anchored in Los Angeles where a grand jury was presented proof by federal prosecutors.

The jury also heard testimony from Armstrong's former teammates and associates began with a separate investigation of Rock Racing, a cycling team owned by fashion entrepreneur Michael Ball.

US Attorney Andre Birotte stated in a press release that his office 'is closing an investigation into allegations of federal criminal conduct by members and associates of a professional bicycle racing team owned in part by Lance Armstrong'. (ANI)