Armstrong snubs USADA

LANCE Armstrong has refused to be interviewed under oath by the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s officials, his lawyer confirmed last night.

The USADA had given the disgraced cyclist a two-week extension to co-operate with investigators, having initially been given until 7 February to confess all under oath.

And, while the American’s lawyer, Tim Herman, stated that Armstrong is willing to “co-operate fully”, he “will not participate in USADA’s efforts to selectively conduct American prosecutions that only demonise selected individuals”.

The USADA wanted Armstrong to confess under oath after the 41-year-old admitted in a TV interview with Oprah Winfrey last month that he doped during each of his seven Tour de France triumphs. An agreement appeared close when the USADA stated Armstrong wants to “assist in the effort to clean up the sport of cycling” when they agreed to the extension, but those hopes have now been dealt a blow.

Travis Tygart, chief executive of the USADA, expressed his disappointment at Armstrong’s decision.

“Today we learned that Mr Armstrong is choosing not to come in and be truthful and that he will not take the opportunity to work toward righting his wrongs in sport.

“We are moving forward with our investigation without him and will continue to work closely with WADA and other appropriate and responsible international authorities to fulfil our promise to clean athletes to protect their right to compete on a drug-free playing field.”