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USADA formally bans Lance Armstrong for life, disqualifies him from all results since 1 August 1998

USADA details grounds for its decision after Armstrong declines to head to arbitration

The United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA) has formally confirmed that it has banned Lance Armstrong from all sporting actiivity for life and has stripped him of all competitive results from 1 January 1998, a period that includes his seven consecutive Tour de France victories between 1999 and 2005.

The 40-year-old confirmed last night that he did not plan to seek an arbitration hearing to defend the charges that USADA laid against him and others in June.

The date of the start of the disqualification period has an additional significance in Armstrong's case; 1998 was the year in which he returned to the sport after beating cancer.

He would go on to finish fourth in the Vuelta a Espana in September that year, beginning his unparalleled dominance of the Tour de France the following season.

Results achieved before that disqualification period stand, including his victory in the 1993 World Road Race Championship.

A statement from USADA which includes details of the specific breaches of anti-doping rules for which he is being sanctioned is shown in full below. We will bring you further reaction to and analysis of this latest development in the case.

USADA statement, 24 August 2012

USADA announced today that Lance Armstrong has chosen not to move forward with the independent arbitration process and as a result has received a lifetime period of ineligibility and disqualification of all competitive results from August 1, 1998 through the present, as the result of his anti-doping rule violations stemming from his involvement in the United States Postal Service (USPS) Cycling Team Doping Conspiracy (USPS Conspiracy).

Following the dismissal of Mr. Armstrong’s lawsuit on Monday, August 20, 2012, by the federal court in Austin, Texas, Mr. Armstrong had until midnight on Thursday, August 23, to contest the evidence against him in a full evidentiary hearing with neutral arbitrators as provided by U.S. law.  However, when given the opportunity to challenge the evidence against him, and with full knowledge of the consequences, Mr. Armstrong chose not to contest the fact that he engaged in doping violations from at least August 1, 1998 and participated in a conspiracy to cover up his actions. As a result of Mr. Armstrong’s decision, USADA is required under the applicable rules, including the World Anti-Doping Code under which he is accountable, to disqualify his competitive results and suspend him from all future competition.

“Nobody wins when an athlete decides to cheat with dangerous performance enhancing drugs, but clean athletes at every level expect those of us here on their behalf, to pursue the truth to ensure the win-at-all-cost culture does not permanently overtake fair, honest competition” said USADA CEO, Travis T. Tygart.  “Any time we have overwhelming proof of doping, our mandate is to initiate the case through the process and see it to conclusion as was done in this case.”

As is every athlete’s right, if Mr. Armstrong would have contested the USADA charges, all of the evidence would have been presented in an open legal proceeding for him to challenge.  He chose not to do this knowing these sanctions would immediately be put into place.

The evidence against Lance Armstrong arose from disclosures made to USADA by more than a dozen witnesses who agreed to testify and provide evidence about their first-hand experience and/or knowledge of the doping activity of those involved in the USPS Conspiracy as well as analytical data. As part of the investigation Mr. Armstrong was invited to meet with USADA and be truthful about his time on the USPS team but he refused.

On June 12, 2012, USADA issued a notice letter informing Mr. Armstrong and five other individuals, including the USPS team director, team trainer and three team doctors, of USADA’s intent to open proceedings against them. On June 28, 2012, following a review process set forth in the applicable rules, USADA notified Mr. Armstrong and the other five individuals that the independent review panel’s finding confirmed sufficient and in fact overwhelming evidence, and that USADA was charging them with rule violations.

Numerous witnesses provided evidence to USADA based on personal knowledge acquired, either through direct observation of doping activity by Armstrong,or through Armstrong’s admissions of doping to them that Armstrong used EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone and cortisone during the period from before 1998 through 2005, and that he had previously used EPO, testosterone and hGH through 1996. Witnesses also provided evidence that Lance Armstrong gave to them, encouraged them to use and administered doping products or methods, including EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone and cortisone during the period from 1999 through 2005.  Additionally, scientific data showed Mr. Armstrong’s use of blood manipulation including EPO or blood transfusions during Mr. Armstrong’s comeback to cycling in the 2009 Tour de France.

The anti-doping rule violations for which Mr. Armstrong is being sanctioned are:

(1)    Use and/or attempted use of prohibited substances and/or methods including EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone, corticosteroids and masking agents.

(2)    Possession of prohibited substances and/or methods including EPO, blood transfusions and related equipment (such as needles, blood bags, storage containers and other transfusion equipment and blood parameters measuring devices), testosterone, corticosteroids and masking agents.

(3)    Trafficking of EPO, testosterone, and corticosteroids.

(4)    Administration and/or attempted administration to others of EPO, testosterone, and cortisone.

(5)    Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, covering up and other complicity involving one or more anti-doping rule violations and/or attempted anti-doping rule violations.

These activities are defined as anti-doping rule violations under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, USA Cycling rules and the International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules (UCI ADR), all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

In accordance with the Code, aggravating circumstances including involvement in multiple anti-doping rule violations and participation in a sophisticated doping scheme and conspiracy as well as trafficking, administration and/or attempted administration of a prohibited substance or method, justify a period of ineligibility greater than the standard sanction. Accordingly, Mr. Armstrong has received a lifetime period of ineligibility for his numerous anti-doping rule violations, including his involvement in trafficking and administering doping products to others.  A lifetime period of ineligibility as described in the Code prevents Mr. Armstrong from participating in any activity or competition organized by any signatory to the Code or any member of any signatory.

In addition to the lifetime ban, Mr. Armstrong will be disqualified from any and all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to August 1, 1998, including forfeiture of any medals, titles, winnings, finishes, points and prizes.

As noted above, Mr. Armstrong challenged the arbitration process in federal court.  In response, the court found that “the USADA arbitration rules, which largely follow those of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) are sufficiently robust to satisfy the requirements of due process.” USADA’s rules provide that where an athlete or other person is sanctioned because they fail to contest USADA’s charges in arbitration, the sanction shall not be reopened or subject to appeal unless the athlete or other person can demonstrate that he did not receive actual or constructive notice of the opportunity to contest the sanction.  Because Mr. Armstrong could have had a hearing before neutral arbitrators to contest USADA’s evidence and sanction and he voluntarily chose not to do so, USADA’s sanction is final.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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40 comments

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Lungsofa74yearold | 11 years ago
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A further thought occurs to me - if everyone was doped up to the eyeballs in the 'EPO' era, then it was effectively a level playing field. In which case Lance was still the best. Perhaps what they ought to have done rather than stripping him of his titles, the UCI should have simply redisignated this whole period as the PAP (Pharmacutically Assisted Period), in the same way as they have with hour record - the Athletes Hour (where people can only use the technology from Merckx's day) and the other one (whose name escapes me) which involved high tech bikes and radical riding positions. Just a thought.

Avatar
GrahamH | 11 years ago
0 likes

USDA Hope you are really happy now  20 .. He's Dead.
opps wrong Armstong..

Avatar
TheBigMong replied to Lungsofa74yearold | 11 years ago
0 likes
pastaman wrote:

A further thought occurs to me - if everyone was doped up to the eyeballs in the 'EPO' era, then it was effectively a level playing field. In which case Lance was still the best. Perhaps what they ought to have done rather than stripping him of his titles, the UCI should have simply redisignated this whole period as the PAP (Pharmacutically Assisted Period), in the same way as they have with hour record - the Athletes Hour (where people can only use the technology from Merckx's day) and the other one (whose name escapes me) which involved high tech bikes and radical riding positions. Just a thought.

Everyone has unique body chemistry--some people get a big boost from certain drugs while other people don't. So, even if "everyone" was on EPO from 1999-2005, and Lance was the best performer among them, that doesn't mean he would have been the best if everyone was clean.

Avatar
mrkeith119 | 11 years ago
0 likes

I wish everyone would stop all going on about lance armstrong, he has gone now. If usada really have proper evidence then the real issue is convicting the likes of johan bruneylle (spelling?) who is still in the sport. Seeing as one of his current riders was kicked off the tour for a doping offence.

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WolfieSmith | 11 years ago
0 likes

Unlike Armstrong Bruyneel is going to arbitration. Hopefully the USADA evidence against both will be aired by association and either both will be found entirely innocent of any doping - or not...I'd love them to be misunderstood and totally innocent - but I imagine it will get worse. It needs to be very bad with UCI Leveson level corruption to clear the air completely. Bring it on.

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rockymonster | 11 years ago
0 likes

What a load of old tosh. Surely the organisation that dished out the 'prizes' should be the only one to repeal them. Share the data with ASO and UCI and let them decide.

Lance was winning Triathlons and road races prior to 1998 - I'm surprised USADA didn't go for those. I wonder if he won an Egg & Spoon race too?

I'm a Lance fan, I won't lie, but if he's guilty, he's guilty. But not fighting isn't an admission of guilt and requesting a fair trial isn't either. There's been no forum review of the evidence, the accused hasn't seen the evidence and even the UCI hasn't seen the it, yet he's been pronounced guilty and sentenced already (god help Julian Assange). Even Sparks questioned the fairness and motives. USADA needs to turn over the data and stop imposing 'bans' it has no right to issue.

I say again, "what a load of old tosh" - not good for the sport I love and I even ask, where's the value in dragging up the past? It doesn't deter the new crop of riders from doping, it just gives the ill-informed a reason to doubt the clean ones and rubbish their achievements.

Congres (or whoever funds USADA) needs to ask some serious questions.

Avatar
andrew streit1 replied to rockymonster | 11 years ago
0 likes

"it just gives the ill-informed a reason to doubt the clean ones and rubbish their achievements."

And this is what he is most responsible for. When the evidence comes out (which it will), I hope he is man enough to say "I am sorry..." I will have some respect for him if he did. But it won't happen, the man's arrogance beyond his cheating, will prevent him from doing so.

He has helped make cycling so popular, and in a single stroke he has now destroyed it's beauty for a generation. That a man, on a Grand Tour, can so destroy his body in pursuit of a prize such as the TdF clean. That even those that do win it clean, will always be tarnished.

The systemic, bloodyminded pursuit of glory in the face of any moral compass, made him so unbeatable. I think he called the development of his equipment "the shit that kills them."

I would give Brad Wiggins, Cadel Evans and Tommy Voeckler a weapon of choice and a dark room with Lance Armstrong. However, they will always have the purist form of victory. They KNOW they do it clean. Lance knows he didn't, and that will be in the back of his mind till the day he passes. I almost feel sorry for him, because that will be difficult to cope with.

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Ciaran Patrick replied to Paul J | 11 years ago
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Paul J wrote:

What stupid comments.

He's considered guilty because USADA has a tonne of evidence, from witness statements to blood analysis, testifying to his guilt. The only way an anti-doping can even *begin* a process against an athlete is if it receives some credible evidence of doping. Lance was given this evidence, and had the opportunity to respond and contest the evidence in a hearing before an independent arbitration panel. Lance chose not to contest the evidence.

The evidence will apparently be published in due course, once USADA finishes related processes against other individuals involved in this doping conspiracy.

I agree your comments are stupid. They smack of a holy than thou attitude, my truth is just and true and everyone else's is just plain stupid. What evidence. There is none and it has not been judged on. It seems I am under the misapprehension but I thought a legal body has evidence, they compile a case like Contador (which I don't think such a miniscule amount amounts to cheating as it couldn't affect performance) they present it to a judge like character who precides over the two and comes to a decision.

In a case like this it is even more important, in fact it is vital to determine the truth because we have so called witness who could have been bullied by the USADA with jail terms. We also have from them considerable so called hearsay or possible evidence that there was criminal co-operation from governing bodies and associated people that lance was able to avoid 500+ tests, where are they pursuing cases against this aspect of the witchhunt, this is just as serious. There is also the viability of some of these witnesses, Landis comes to mind. What the USADA persents will be hearsay, no doubt they will leave out the references to bullying by the USADA.

This has been directed at just one man. Which considering all the hype seems somewhat disproportionate.

When the USADA presents it's so called evidence, what will that say, not a lot because both sides will just say no the other side is wrong. This needed a Judge to determine the evidence whether Lance wanted it or not. Now we have so called legal experts spouting there iron clad proofs like John J who will say I know the truth and my truth if just. Shame this proof seems to be derived from the media.

Avatar
andrew streit1 replied to Ciaran Patrick | 11 years ago
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Ciaran Patrick wrote:

What evidence. There is none and it has not been judged on.

That statement makes no sense. You say there is no evidence, and then say it has not been judged on. If there is no evidence how can you make the second statement?? Which is it?

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

It seems I am under the misapprehension but I thought a legal body has evidence, they compile a case like Contador (which I don't think such a miniscule amount amounts to cheating as it couldn't affect performance) they present it to a judge like character who precides over the two and comes to a decision.

You are right. This was about to happen, until Armstrong withdrew. The Federal Court ruled that the case was not unconstitutional in regards to due process.

In regards to Contador, I think you might want to do some extended reading on this. The substance that Contador had, was not like EPO, a substance that is held within the body itself. It can only get into the body through ingestion or self-administering it.

I draw your attention to it's performance enhancing capabilities:

"It causes an increase in aerobic capacity, central nervous system stimulation, and an increase in blood pressure and oxygen transportation. It increases the rate at which body fat is metabolized while increasing the body's BMR." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clenbuterol

Quite advantageous for cyclists I am sure you will agree. If you read further, you will see the convictions for use of this drug with professional sport.

And in regards to the amount, I am not sure whether you are aware of the system of microdosing in professional cycling. This involves putting the minimal amount in, and allowing enough time for it exit the system, that the substance cannot therefore register when the athlete is tested.

His overall blood plasma levels were also questioned as being suspicious.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

In a case like this it is even more important, in fact it is vital to determine the truth because we have so called witness who could have been bullied by the USADA with jail terms.

The USADA cannot invoke jail terms. It is not a criminal body. It is a sports administration body. Cyclists have to sign up to adhere to certain bodies, to enable them to get their professional licence. This is why they are able to bring the case against LA and the other associates.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

We also have from them considerable so called hearsay or possible evidence that there was criminal co-operation from governing bodies and associated people that lance was able to avoid 500+ tests, where are they pursuing cases against this aspect of the witchhunt, this is just as serious.

This is indeed very serious. The criminal aspect of the drug trafficking and fraud, were investigated by the Feds prior to the USADA case. Nobody knows why that case was dropped. Many of those witnesses that testified under oath, have provided evidence to the USADA. This is why their testimonies are so crucial. They face jail for contradicting the statements they made to the Feds.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

There is also the viability of some of these witnesses, Landis comes to mind. What the USADA persents will be hearsay, no doubt they will leave out the references to bullying by the USADA.

This extends from the previous statement. Those that provided evidence for the Feds face jail if they lie, even Floyd Landis.

The man you haven't cited is George Hincapie. Of all the people that I want to hear statements from he is the one.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

This has been directed at just one man. Which considering all the hype seems somewhat disproportionate.

This is factually incorrect. The original charges by the USADA were brought against 4 others including Bruyneel and Ferrari and a masseur or two.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

When the USADA presents it's so called evidence, what will that say, not a lot because both sides will just say no the other side is wrong. This needed a Judge to determine the evidence whether Lance wanted it or not.

I am also disappointed that a full trial did not happen. For this you can only blame Lance I am afraid. He has been adamant for years, with lawyers backing him to the hilt, and then suddenly, when we have the opportunity to clear it once and for all, he gives up. That wrangles with me more than anything else.

Avatar
andrew streit1 replied to Ciaran Patrick | 11 years ago
0 likes
Ciaran Patrick wrote:

What evidence. There is none and it has not been judged on.

That statement makes no sense. You say there is no evidence, and then say it has not been judged on. If there is no evidence how can you make the second statement?? Which is it?

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

It seems I am under the misapprehension but I thought a legal body has evidence, they compile a case like Contador (which I don't think such a miniscule amount amounts to cheating as it couldn't affect performance) they present it to a judge like character who precides over the two and comes to a decision.

You are right. This was about to happen, until Armstrong withdrew. The Federal Court ruled that the case was not unconstitutional in regards to due process.

In regards to Contador, I think you might want to do some extended reading on this. The substance that Contador had, was not like EPO, a substance that is held within the body itself. It can only get into the body through ingestion or self-administering it.

I draw your attention to it's performance enhancing capabilities:

"It causes an increase in aerobic capacity, central nervous system stimulation, and an increase in blood pressure and oxygen transportation. It increases the rate at which body fat is metabolized while increasing the body's BMR." Wiki

Quite advantageous for cyclists I am sure you will agree. If you read further, you will see the convictions for use of this drug with professional sport.

And in regards to the amount, I am not sure whether you are aware of the system of microdosing in professional cycling. This involves putting the minimal amount in, and allowing enough time for it exit the system, that the substance cannot therefore register when the athlete is tested.

His overall blood plasma levels were also questioned as being suspicious.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

In a case like this it is even more important, in fact it is vital to determine the truth because we have so called witness who could have been bullied by the USADA with jail terms.

The USADA cannot invoke jail terms. It is not a criminal body. It is a sports administration body. Cyclists have to sign up to adhere to certain bodies, to enable them to get their professional licence. This is why they are able to bring the case against LA and the other associates.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

We also have from them considerable so called hearsay or possible evidence that there was criminal co-operation from governing bodies and associated people that lance was able to avoid 500+ tests, where are they pursuing cases against this aspect of the witchhunt, this is just as serious.

This is indeed very serious. The criminal aspect of the drug trafficking and fraud, were investigated by the Feds prior to the USADA case. Nobody knows why that case was dropped. Many of those witnesses that testified under oath, have provided evidence to the USADA. This is why their testimonies are so crucial. They face jail for contradicting the statements they made to the Feds.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

There is also the viability of some of these witnesses, Landis comes to mind. What the USADA persents will be hearsay, no doubt they will leave out the references to bullying by the USADA.

This extends from the previous statement. Those that provided evidence for the Feds face jail if they lie, even Floyd Landis.

The man you haven't cited is George Hincapie. Of all the people that I want to hear statements from he is the one.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

This has been directed at just one man. Which considering all the hype seems somewhat disproportionate.

This is factually incorrect. The original charges by the USADA were brought against 4 others including Bruyneel and Ferrari and a masseur or two.

Ciaran Patrick wrote:

When the USADA presents it's so called evidence, what will that say, not a lot because both sides will just say no the other side is wrong. This needed a Judge to determine the evidence whether Lance wanted it or not.

I am also disappointed that a full trial did not happen. For this you can only blame Lance I am afraid. He has been adamant for years, with lawyers backing him to the hilt, and then suddenly, when we have the opportunity to clear it once and for all, he gives up. That wrangles with me more than anything else.

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