Armstrong doping probe closed

A criminal probe of Lance Armstrong and his former US Postal team was closed last night, without the seven-time Tour de France winner being charged over allegations he used performance-enhancing drugs.

The decision, announced by United States Attorney Andre Birotte Jr, ends a nearly two-year effort aimed at examining whether a doping programme was created to aid the efforts of Armstrong and his teammates.

Armstrong has repeatedly denied he doped during his unparalleled career, but the possibility of criminal charges threatened to stain his legacy as the world’s greatest cyclist.