Armstrong team to question lawsuit

LANCE ARMSTRONG has claimed the United States government was happy to overlook drug-taking allegations because it was happy to take advantage of the publicity associated with him.

The former US Postal cyclist, who admitted doping this year, has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

His legal team is now claiming the US government’s federal lawsuit against him be dismissed because the case is too old.

The government’s lawsuit argues Armstrong, 41, committed fraud by insisting he was not using drugs while riding for the publicly-funded US Postal Service team.

Armstrong’s motion to a US court questions why the government did nothing to look into doping allegations.

It adds: “The government admits that prior to November 2000, it was aware that French authorities had begun a preliminary investigation into allegations that the (Postal Service) cycling team used performance enhancing drugs.

“The government was not merely aware of these allegations, the Postal Service was concerned about them.

“But, despite its knowledge and concern, the official of the United States charged with responsibility to act did absolutely nothing.

“The government wanted a winner and all the publicity, exposure, and acclaim that goes along with being his sponsor.”

Armstrong’s legal team has now moved to have the lawsuit dismissed.

His motion adds: “The government’s claims are time-barred.”