No charges will be filed in federal case against American cyclist
The long-running investigation into alleged doping by Lance Armstrong has been dropped by federal prosecutors in California.
The United States Attorney's Office Central District of California (Los Angeles) stated that the probe into whether the seven-time Tour de France winner and his team-mates participated in a doping programme was now closed.
The office said that they chose to make a public announcement over the case of the 40-year-old, who has consistently denied the allegations, due to a number of reports about the investigation in the media.
"United States Attorney Andre Birotte Jr today announced 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," a statement read.
"The United States Attorney determined that a public announcement concerning the closing of the investigation was warranted by numerous reports about the investigation in media outlets around the world.
"Mr Birotte commended the joint investigative efforts of his prosecutors and special agents with the US Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Service - Office of the Inspector General."
