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The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has filed formal charges against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, threatening to strip him of his victories in the storied cycling race.
Armstrong, who forcefully denied the accusations, could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is found to have used
performance-enhancing drugs.
The move by USADA immediately bans him from competing in triathlons, which he turned to after he retired from cycling last year.
In a 15-page letter to Armstrong on Tuesday, USADA said its investigation included evidence dating back to 1996.
It also included the new charge that Armstrong blood samples taken in 2009 and 2010 are "fully consistent with blood manipulation including EPO use and/or blood transfusions."
Armstrong has until the 22nd of June to file a written response to the charges.
