WADA asks for Lance Armstrong’s US federal investigation
The month of February brought an end to the two most awaited decisions related to the sports of cycling. Two of the top stage race cyclists, Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong were accused of doping and the results were long awaited.
American cyclist, Lance Armstrong was blamed of using unfair means to improve his performance at the professional level.
A number of high-profile cyclists and reporters stood against him but could not prove that he cheated by any means.
Armstrong’s wait was finally over when he heard the news of his case being concluded with no charges.
United States Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. confirmed that his office has closed the investigation.
However, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has requested for all the evidence from the closed US federal investigation of the cyclist.
John Fahey, WADA’s President, believes that the evidence should be handed over to the agency as it can provide assistance with many other cases.
He was quoted as saying, “There has been significant evidence taken on anti-doping areas, on what may have occurred in the way of doping. It would be very, very helpful if that information was handed over".
WADA's Director General David Howman also emphasised on the importance of the evidence. He believes that the documentation should be shared the same way as in the BALCO case.
David cited, “It is important that that happen as quickly as possible, just in case there are athletes who might be looking at going to London and where there is evidence in relation to them".
In a related issue, the Spanish cycling star, Alberto Contador was declared guilty of doping during the Tour de France 2010 and has also been banned from professional cycling.
Court of Arbitration for Sport handed a two-year ban to the Spanish cycling star and also stripped him off the victories since the Tour de France 2010.
The Spaniard was tested positive for clenbuterol during the French Grand Tour and the case was filed by UCI and WADA.
CAS took a long time but the final hearing was made against the cyclist, which will prevent him from riding till the 5th of August, 2012.
World Anti Doping Agency is taking all the necessary measures to ensure that the sport is clean from all unfair means.
It is believed that the only reason why WADA is asking for Armstrong’s evidence is because it is planning to dig deep in the case.
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