Saturday, 13 October 2012

Johan Bruyneel Leaves Radioshack


Lance Armstrong's former team manager, Johan Bruyneel, has left his position as general manager with Radioshack by mutual consent.

The announcement follows the report from the US Anti-Doping Agency that alleged the Belgian knew Armstrong used drugs during his Tour de France wins.

A statement read: "In light of these testimonies, both parties feel it is necessary to make this decision."

However the 48-year-old is fighting the Usada charges.

The statement adds: "Johan Bruyneel contests the validity of the procedure as well as the charges against him."

Bruyneel was Armstrong's team manager when the Texan won his seven Tour victories from 1999-2005 with US Postal Service and Discovery Channel teams.

He was also part of the Armstrong set-up at the 2009 and 2010 Tours, when Armstrong came back from retirement following a three-and-a-half-year absence.

Bruyneel had been with Radioshack since they were formed by Armstrong two years ago. He also owns large parts of the team's infrastructure through his management company.

The Usada investigation does not relate to Bruyneel's time with Radioshack, the team said.

The statement continued: "The reasoned decision published by the Usada included a number of testimonies as a result of their investigation.

"Johan Bruyneel can no longer direct the team in an efficient and comfortable way."

The Usada report, released on Wednesday, accused Armstrong of running "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen", with Bruyneel described as a key player in the scheme.

In the document, he was accused of alerting his team's riders to upcoming doping tests and communicating extensively with sports doctor Michele Ferrari, who is believed by Usada to have planned the rider's drug use.

The Belgian Cycling Federation has said it is investigating Usada's claims.




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