Professional cyclist Lance Armstrong's triathlon career might be in jeopardy. The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) announced Thursday that he will be banned from competing in the international Ironman triathlon while under investigation for doping allegations.
The decision to take Armstrong out of the race comes from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, or USADA, opening charges against Armstrong and several other former teammates.
According to the Post, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency claims it took blood samples from Armstrong two years prior and that they were "fully consistent with blood manipulation including EPO use and/or blood transfusions."
On Wednesday, Armstrong defended himself saying the agency wanted to "dredge up discredited" allegations against him as a means of depriving him of his seven Tour de France wins.
In the past, Armstrong has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs by other riders, however he has continuously denied accusations. Backing him up is the fact that he has never failed a drug test.
Armstrong became a triathlon rider following his retirement from cycling, and has won numerous titles in the sport. He most recently won a half-ironman in Hawaii several days ago, was the fastest cyclist and runner on the 70.3-mile course, and the third fastest swimmer.
Despite all of his skill in the sport, he has been suspended by the World Triathlon Corporation due to the recent investigation.
In a statement, the WTC stated that its rules "dictate an athlete is ineligible to compete during an open investigation. Armstrong is therefore suspended from competing in WTC-owned and licensed races pending further review."
USA Triathlon however has different opinions on the situation stating, "Lance Armstrong is currently still eligible to compete in all USA Triathlon-sanctioned races, with the exception of Ironman events as stated earlier by the World Triathlon Corporation," said Chuck Menke, the organization's communication director.
After a two-year investigation into doping charges against Armstrong, this February the U.S attorney's office in Los Angeles concluded the investigation and brought no criminal charges against the cyclist.
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