Armstrong on probe end: "I opened a cold beer"

AUSTIN, Texas - Lance Armstrong says he's relieved by the end of a nearly two-year federal investigation into doping allegations against him, and that he always remained confident he would not be charged.

"It's not a pleasant experience," Armstrong told The Associated Press by phone on Thursday in his first interview since prosecutors in Los Angeles closed their investigation last Friday. After speaking with the AP, Armstrong participated in a teleconference with media covering this weekend's triathlon in Panama City, Panama, where he is scheduled to compete this weekend.

"It was difficult at times," the seven-time Tour de France winner said. "But I was confident that we would always end up in this place."

Feds close Lance Armstrong doping case

And, for him, this is end of the doping questions. The federal government's decision should put a stop to any allegations or rumors about performance-enhancing drug use during his career, Armstrong said.

"It's over," he said. "I'm moving on."

The World Anti-Doping Agency this week urged U.S. federal authorities to quickly hand over evidence collected in the investigation that was aimed at whether the world's most famous cyclist and his teammates joining in a doping program during his run of Tour victories from 1999-2005.

"I don't want to get bogged down with that. I'm not concerned with that. I'm not going to worry about that," he said.

Armstrong, who has been known to attack his critics in the media and on Twitter, had only issued a muted written statement in response to the end of the investigation when the decision was first announced.

He was reluctant to talk much further about it on Thursday, but said he had a quiet celebration with his family when the investigation was closed.

"I hugged my kids, hugged my girlfriend and went and opened a cold beer," Armstrong said.

Although Armstrong was convinced that he would not be indicted, the cyclist said he was ready to fight a costly legal battle if he was.

"You had to consider all possibilities," Armstrong said.

The 40-year-old Armstrong said he'd turn his attention in 2012 to competing in Ironman triathlons and supporting an anti-smoking campaign in California. He is also the founder of the cancer charity Livestrong.

The investigation was spurred in part by disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis, who claims Armstrong had a long-running doping system in place while they were teammates. Landis, who was stripped of the 2006 Tour de France title for drug use, acknowledged in 2010 he used performance-enhancing drugs after years of denying he cheated.

One of the most serious accusations came during a "60 Minutes" interview last May when former teammate Tyler Hamilton said he saw Armstrong use EPO during the 1999 Tour de France and in preparation for the 2000 and 2001 tours.

The report also said Armstrong loyalist George Hincapie, another ex-teammate, told federal authorities that he and Armstrong supplied each other with PEDs and discussed them. Hincapie released a statement after the segment aired, saying he did not speak with the show and didn't know where it got its information.

As the investigation progressed, Armstrong assembled a legal team, hired a spokesman and briefly created a website to address any of the allegations reported by the media.

Frustrated by a slew of news articles about the investigation, Armstrong's attorneys filed a motion in July, asking a judge to order federal agents to testify about their contacts with reporters.

[Henri_Rochard]

I wish they could get the sport of bicycle racing cleaned up. I love watching the Tour de France and Amgen Tour of California on TV and also attend local races.

Lance Armstrong is vindicated, but Alberto Contador is guilty and suspended.

'Course, as they say in NASCAR, if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying.

[Readitagain]

I believe Lance was as clean as ANYBODY on the course. But, am I the only one who sees the irony of celebrating a vindication in a drug case with a drug?
Yes, people, beer is a drug.

[Readitagain]

I believe Lance was as clean as ANYBODY on the course. But, am I the only one who sees the irony of celebrating a vindication in a drug case with a drug?
Yes, people, beer is a drug.

[jfb100]

CBSNews: "The investigation was spurred in part by disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis, who claims Armstrong had a long-running doping system in place while they were teammates."

I remember this story when it first surfaced, and was surprised by the complete lack of professionalism. There was absolutely no evidence other that a dubious claim made by another cyclist trying to sell his book.

Score 1 for the "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" team!

[Readitagain]

I believe Lance was as clean as ANYBODY on the course. But, am I the only one who sees the irony of celebrating a vindication in a drug case with a drug?
Yes, people, beer is a drug.

[Raptorsmasher]

Once a doper, always a doper.

[troutfishman2]

You got away with it, and have millions in the bank. Congratulations.

[mecury69]

Proof? None what so ever.

Only heresay testimony from people who benefit directly from bringing him down.

[SlimStraight]

Viva La Lance!! Congratulations...let's hope this is done forever

[lloydbest1]

"And, for him, this is end of the doping questions. The federal government's decision should put a stop to any allegations or rumors about performance-enhancing drug use during his career, Armstrong said.
"It's over," he said. "I'm moving on.""

Dream on. It will probably never be over. There are those who will stand by you and deny you've ever taken anything more controversial than distilled water even if you were caught red handed shooting everything from EPO to almond butter.....

....And there are those who will NEVER be convinced you were/are clean - even if God came down from His heaven for the specific purpose of vouching for you.

Live with it Lance, it's the price of greatness.