• Cycling

Armstrong fails to block USADA case

ESPN staff
August 21, 2012
Lance Armstrong's battle with USADA continues © Getty Images
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Lance Armstrong's attempt to block an investigation into whether he took performance-enhancing drugs has been dismissed in a US federal court.

Armstrong, who has always denied doping, was charged by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in June with using performance-enhancing drugs.

The seven-time Tour de France winner took legal action again USADA in the wake of the charge, and accused the body of offering "corrupt inducements" to other riders so they would testify against him.

Armstrong must now face the doping charges in compliance with the ruling of the Texas court, and if found guilty of the charges could be stripped of his record-breaking seven Tour titles.

US District Judge Sam Sparks remarked upon "troubling aspects" of USADA's case against Armstrong, despite dismissing Armstrong's case against the agency. Sparks highlighted USADA's persistence with the hearing which comes "in direct conflict" with the "equally evident desire" of the International Cycling Union not to proceed against Armstrong.

The 40-year-old's alleged offences range from 1995 to 2005, and he has previously accused USADA of having a vendetta against him.

If Armstrong does answer the charges, his case could progress to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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