Lance Armstrong may face lifetime racing ban

Seven-time Tour de France-winner Lance Armstrong has been accused of doping during his reign.

They say the truth will set you free. In Lance Armstrong’s case, the truth may actually set him free from what he loves doing most.

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A group is accusing Armstrong of doping while he was cycling professionally, and an investigation is currently underway.

Armstrong may soon be banned from triathlons, a sport he took to after he retired from professional cycling last year. If Armstrong is found to have been using the drugs, he would also face a lifetime ban from cycling.

The Associated Press reports that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against Armstrong and others.

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The letter “accuses Armstrong of using and promoting the use of the blood booster EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone, human growth hormone and anti-inflammatory steroids,” according to the Associated Press. “The letter doesn’t cite specific examples but says the charges are based on evidence gathered in an investigation of Armstrong’s teams, including witnesses who aren’t named in the letter.”

The letter goes on to say that results from the tests done by Armstrong’s cycling group in 2009 and 2010 were consistent with the drugs.

The USADA also said they have witnesses who said they heard him talk about it or saw him dope up, all from 1996 to 2005.

Armstrong later responded to the charges.

“I have never doped,” he said. “Unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one.”

According to the Washington Post, other people who may face charges are the manager of Armstrong’s teams, two team doctors, a team trainer and the consulting doctor.

CBS News reports that if Armstrong does not contest the charges, he may lose his titles.

The 40-year-old cyclist has won the Tour de France seven times, all after surviving testicular cancer. He started the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization that provides cancer research and support, and also started the Livestrong campaign.

Photo courtesy WENN.com