Johan Bruyneel to defend himself against USADA
Following the earlier reports of Johan Bruyneel being in danger of losing his job at Team Radioshack-Nissan, the team has confirmed that Bruyneel has been released from his role as the team’s General Manager.
Johan was named in the long 202 page USADA verdict on Lance Armstrong for trafficking and administering UCI banned substance with his previous side, Team USPS.
“Acting in mutual agreement, on October 12 Leopard SA and Johan Bruyneel decided to end their collaboration,” the team statement reads.
“From this day on, Johan Bruyneel will no longer act in the position of General Manager of cycling team RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK”.
“The Reasoned Decision published by the USADA included a number of testimonies as a result of their investigation,” it continuous.
“In light of these testimonies, both parties feel it is necessary to make this decision since Johan Bruyneel can no longer direct the Team in an efficient and comfortable way”.
“His departure is desirable to ensure the serenity and cohesiveness within the Team”.
The 48-year-old took his first management job back in 1999 with Team US Postal and served the team throughout 2007.
He joined Team Astana through 2008-09 before joining the Luxembourg side in 2010 and has been very helpful for the team through his three-year stay.
However, the USADA’s verdict and Team US Postal’s former cyclist’s statements proved that Lance Armstrong used unfair means to enhance his performance throughout his career with the help of the Italian Doctor Michele Ferrari.
USADA was convinced that, it was practically impossible that Team Manager Johan Bruyneel was unaware that the American took drugs, which helped him winning the seven Tour de France titles.
Armstrong won the Tour de France through 1999-2005, seven consecutive times and finished third during the 2009 and 23rd during the 2010 edition of the race.
He has now been stripped-off from all the victories since 19998 to 2010 as a result of USADA verdict.
Bruyneel posted a personal message on his website stating that he has decided to step back from the role of Team Manager in order to prepare for his case with USADA.
He has also briefed that USADA’s decision to publicise the case details before giving him a chance to review the evidence is mere prejudice and is positive to defend himself in front of the jury.
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