Lance Armstrong Doping Investigation Closed, No Charges

The case against the seven-time Tour de France winner has been closed, according to authorities

Federal prosecutors are closing a criminal investigation of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and will not charge him over allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs, according to the Associated Press.

A news release from United States Attorney André Birotte Jr.stated the case was closed, but the release did not indicate a reason for the decision.

"This is great news,"  Armstrong 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.''

Investigators were looking into whether Armstrong and his teammates were part of a doping program that kept him atop the cycling world for the better part of a decade. For at least part of that time, Armstrong and his teammate received government sponsorship from the U.S. Postal Service.

Prosecutors began presenting evidence nearly two years ago to a federal grand jury in Los Angeles. Several of Armstrong's former teammates and associates provided testimony.

Armstrong won the Tour de France every year from 1999-2005. He has denied all doping allegations. 

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Copyright AP - Associated Press
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