Armstrong 'Gratified' by News on Probe

(NewsCore) - Federal prosecutors on Friday closed an investigation into the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs by seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

US Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. did not divulge the reasons behind his decision to drop the case against Armstrong, saying only that a "public announcement concerning the closing of the investigation was warranted by numerous reports about the investigation in media outlets around the world."

Armstrong said in a statement obtained by FOX News Channel, "I am gratified to learn that the US Attorney's Office is closing its investigation. It is the right decision and I commend them for reaching it. I look forward to continuing my life as a father, a competitor and an advocate in the fight against cancer without this distraction."

Bryan Daly, one of several attorneys for Armstrong, told The Wall Street Journal that the closing of the federal probe "should allow Lance to get on with his life."

Daly said he was notified Friday by Birotte that the investigation would be closed as there wasn't enough evidence to go forward with a criminal case.

"This is great news. Lance is ... more determined that ever to devote his time and energy to Livestrong and to the causes that have defined his career," added Mark Fabiani, a spokesman and attorney for Armstrong.

Armstrong's cancer charity, Livestrong, said in a statement, "We're very glad to hear this news. Lance Armstrong is an inspiration to millions of cancer survivors and his devotion to the fight against cancer is unparalleled.

"We're thrilled that he is continuing to lead our important work and we look forward to expanding our service ... under his leadership."

In July, Armstrong's attorneys accused the US government of leaking information and testimony to the media in an effort to discredit the champion cyclist.

Former teammate Tyler Hamilton, in an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" in May, claimed Armstrong tested positive for a banned substance in 200. Hamilton said the positive test occurred at the 2001 Tour of Switzerland, but was covered up by cycling authorities.

Armstrong's lawyers wrote a letter to CBS after the interview aired, demanding an apology for broadcasting what they said were "incorrect" and "false" accusations.

Armstrong, who won the Tour de France seven straight times from 1999 to 2005, has faced numerous doping allegations since he won his first Tour de France. However, cycling's governing body has never found him to have broken any rules.

The 40-year-old retired from professional cycling in February 2011. He has steadfastly denied using any performance-enhancing drugs during his career.

Doping, particularly doping in another country, isn't a violation of US federal criminal laws. But investigators in the US attorney's office in Los Angeles looked at whether Armstrong and other officials of the US Postal team may have committed fraud by collecting money from sponsors for winning the Tour de France while doping, the Journal reported.