Racing may be over for the seven-time Tour de France Champion but his battle in clearing his name is just beginning. After competing in this year’s Tour de France, Lance Armstrong will be facing a hard time defending himself against people who are accusing him of doping. Two former cycling champions, Floyd Landis and Greg Lemond are ready to testify on his alleged use of the blood boosting drug EPO, blood transfusions and other questionable transactions. The federal investigation headed by Jeff Novitsky has contacted former US Postal Service Team members as well as other European anti-doping agencies to get more information about Armstrong. Lemond was the first professional cyclist subpoenaed by the grand jury and it is expected that more subpoena will be issued.

For many years, Armstrong vehemently denied any involvement in the use of performance enhancing drugs. In his latest interview, he said that he was able to pass 500 doping tests but did not return any positive test for a banned substance. However, dominating the Tour de France for seven straight years is something that makes other people wonder. In a sport where doping is common, it will be very difficult for Armstrong to isolate himself. And with the latest accusation of Floyd Landis on his doping, the rumors will just need some validation from authorities. This time it could come from Novitsky who is looking into his case.

For the first time, Greg Lemond agreed on the statements of Landis. It can be recalled that Lemond testified against Landis’ steroids case but this time he believes that Landis is telling the truth in his claims of the systematic doping of the US Postal Service team and Armstrong. “I think he’s telling the truth. I think the level of detail, the descriptions, I think it rings true,” he told the Denver Post.

The 3-time cycling champion also hinted that the federal probe will unearth significant evidences against Lance. “The evidence will come from the investigation and I believe it will be overwhelming,” he said. Lemond, a long time critic of Armstrong hopes that he will be able to share his knowledge and provide important information once the grand jury asks him to testify.

Tim Herman, Armstrong’s lawyer complained about the leaks of the investigation to the media. “This appears to be a full-blown and largely unmonitored exploration of Floyd Landis’ patently unreliable and routinely changing accusations of possible improper conduct in the professional cycling industry at large,” he said in his complaint sent to the federal prosecutors. Landis sent cycling authorities and other stakeholders the details of Armstrong’s alleged EPO use and systematic doping program.

Armstrong is confident that he will be able to clear his name as long as there is a fair investigation. He also told the media that he hired the services of Los Angeles-based criminal defense lawyer Bryan D. Daly, a former federal prosecutor, to represent him in the case. Armstrong knows that the doping allegation is a serious one. This could ruin his reputation as a professional cyclist and as a role model for thousands of cancer patients who look-up to him as a symbol of hope. Armstrong is a cancer survivor and has been active in outreach activities helping cancer patients.

“Obviously, you need some legal counsel on this… I wouldn’t read anything into it. I’m 100 percent confident that there will be a satisfactory resolution for me,” Armstrong said. “You’ve got to protect yourself. You know, I think anybody involved should have legal protection, and know their rights and know what’s truly best for them,” he told the AP.

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