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Image courtesy of Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Team RadioShack-Nissan-Trek manager Johan Bruyneel will step aside and sit out the Tour de France, after being named in the US Anti-Doping Agency’s investigation into Lance Armstrong.
The team will head to the 2012 Tour de France in just a few days without a clear leader — or goals for its general classification (GC) efforts. The team could be in disarray, so it’s unsure if Bruyneel stepping aside in July will be better or worse for the team.
Here is what Bruyneel had to say in a statement published on his own website:
I’m sad to say that I’ve decided that for the first time in many years I will not be attending this year’s Tour de France. The story of the Tour should be the achievements of its riders and the thrill of our great sport. I dearly wish to be there but my attendance in light of the recent USADA allegations against me would be an unwelcome distraction to my team, and to all those participating in and supporting the Tour.
This is why I’ve decided – after consulting with the Team’s main sponsors and in agreement with the Senior Management of Leopard – not to attend the race. It is unfortunate that these latest, unfounded accusations have resulted in my withdrawal from the Tour, although I hope to prove my innocence and resolve this matter soon and once and for all.
It’s possible the team’s sponsors and Leopard management asked Bruyneel to sit the Tour out, but that hasn’t been disclosed.
The Wall Street Journal posted a story that indicated Bruyneel faces the following five charges:
- Possession of prohibited substances and/or methods including EPO and blood transfusions;
- Trafficking of EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone, HGH, corticosteroids and masking agents;
- Administration and/or attempted administration of EPO and other banned substances;
- Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, and covering up in doping practices;
- Aggravating circumstances justifying a period of ineligibility greater than the standard sanction
The full letter to Bruyneel, Armstrong, and several former team doctors is available here (PDF).
It’s possible Bruyneel could face a life-time ban if the USADA completes its investigation and the charges are upheld against him.
