Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.United States federal prosecutors dropped their investigation of Lance Armstrong last night, ending a two-year effort aimed at determining whether the seven-time Tour de France winner and his team-mates participated in a doping program.
Armstrong has steadfastly denied he doped during his career, but the possibility of criminal charges threatened to stain his legacy and could have cast a shadow over his cancer charity work. "This is great news," Armstrong's attorney, Mark Fabiani, said in a statement. "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 investigation was centred in Los Angeles where a grand jury was presented with evidence by federal prosecutors and heard testimony from Armstrong's former team-mates and associates. It began with a separate investigation of Rock Racing, a cycling team owned by fashion entrepreneur Michael Ball.
Floyd Landis, who was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title after failing a drugs test, claimed Armstrong had a long-running doping system in place while they were team-mates. Fellow US rider Tyler Hamilton said he saw Armstrong use EPO during the 1999 Tour and in preparation for the 2000 and 2001 Tours.
United States Attorney Andre Birotte Jr announced in a press release yesterday 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." He did not disclose the reason for the decision.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments