Ex-teammate claims Armstrong knew of drug use on Tour team

Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas

Lance Armstrong’s attorney has lashed out at a report that a former teammate of the seven-time Tour de France champion told investigators Armstrong knew of widespread performance-enhancing drug use on the U.S. Postal Service team.

Attorney Bryan D. Daly said there are hundreds of former Armstrong teammates who would deny he broke the rules to win.

The New York Times reported in Thursday editions that a cyclist, who was identified only as a former Armstrong teammate, backed up claims by Floyd Landis that the Postal Service team engaged in systematic doping with Armstrong’s knowledge and approval.

The unidentified cyclist told the newspaper he had spoken with federal investigators looking into cheating in pro cycling. Prosecutors and special agent Jeff Novitzky of the Food and Drug Administration are running the probe, which is focused on a sport that Armstrong once dominated with consecutive Tour victories from 1999-2005.

Armstrong has strongly denied any allegations that he doped.

The unidentified cyclist detailed some of his own drug use to investigators, even though he has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs or methods, the newspaper reported. He said he has not been called to testify before the grand jury in Los Angeles that has been convened for the case.

Daly released a statement Thursday afternoon saying the report contains “inappropriate leaks designed to create a circus-like atmosphere.”

“To the extent that any riders are suggesting that Lance Armstrong violated cycling rules or doped, they are either mistaken or not telling the truth.”