The not so good ranking of Lance Armstrong in the current Tour de France could be an indication that his glorious career will end up soon. And his retirement could even be marred by doping allegations which already caused the US FDA to start an investigation. The suspicion that the 7 time Tour de France champion is doping has been cast on him continuously. However, it is different this time. Federal agencies and international sports organizations and authorities are linking up to look into the alleged doping of the cycling legend.

The investigation is not only focused on Armstrong but investigators are also taking into account the accusations that the entire US Postal Service team was involved in systematic doping. According to Floyd Landis, who confessed a few months ago about his doping, the entire team of US Postal Service received blood transfusions and accused Armstrong of using EPO for many years. It is expected that the team will be called to give testimonies relevant to the investigation. The other team members were George Hincapie, David Zabriskie, Christian Vande Velde, Robbie Ventura and Frankie Andreu. Some of them are currently competing in the Tour de France.

The first professional cyclist who was subpoenaed by a grand jury was Greg Lemond. Federal prosecutors asked him to provide documents and information about Armstrong. Lemond has been directed to provide relevant documents not later than July 30. According to the report of NY Times, pertinent information on Lemond’s cycling teams- (United States Postal Service, Discovery Channel, Astana and RadioShack) was also required. He can also be called to testify when the case proceeds against Armstrong.

The subpoena also asked Lemond to provide information about the riders, managers, directors and personnel of the teams represented by Armstrong in competitions. Documents relating to Tailwind Sports and Capital Sports & Entertainment, the Austin, Texas-based company which is being managed by Bill Stapleton and Bart Knaggs are also requested. Federal investigators are also looking for links with other people who are affiliated with the teams mentioned.

The three time Tour de France champion could collaborate some of the statements of Floyd Landis. In fact, he had a not so good relationship with Armstrong in the past. Last year, an out of court settlement was made between Lemond and Trek Bicycle Corporation which is related to doping allegations against Armstrong. He is one of the critics of Armstrong especially on the latter’s ties with the Italian doctor who allegedly administered the blood transfusions.

Federal prosecutors believe that LeMond is a good source of information of how Armstrong managed to beat anti-doping tests despite his involvement in steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. It is no surprise that the grand jury also requested for documents that could prove Armstrong’s use of PED’s including testosterone, anabolic steroids, EPO and human growth hormone. Lemond can also reveal if he has evidences on the paraphernalia used like syringes, syringe wrappers and blood-testing machines.

Lance Armstrong told the media that he had not received any subpoena. He maintained his position that he never used any performance enhancing drug during his career as a professional cyclist. “As long as I live I will deny it. There is absolutely no way I forced people, encouraged people, told people, helped people, facilitated … Absolutely not. One hundred per cent,” he said during a media interview. Armstrong said that he would cooperate with a fair investigation as long as it is not a witch hunt investigation aimed to bring him down.

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