Armstrong says no to Usada interview
(02-21 10:54)
The cyclist Lance Armstrong has said he will not agree to be interviewed under oath by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
The American, 41, admitted taking performance-enhancing drugs during his seven of his Tour de France wins in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, RTHK reports.
By speaking to Usada, the disgraced cyclist would have been eligible to have a lifetime ban reduced.
But a statement said he "will not participate in prosecutions... that only demonize selected individuals".
Armstrong was initially given until 6 February to meet Usada officials but was allowed a further two weeks to decide whether to be interviewed.
An agreement appeared close when Usada said he wanted to "assist in the effort to clean up the sport of cycling" when they agreed to the extension, although those hopes have been dealt a blow with the release of his statement.
The Texan's statement, released by his attorney Tim Herman, said he is willing to help with the investigation but will not be interviewed by Usada.
It added: "Lance is willing to cooperate fully and has been very clear: He will be the first man through the door, and once inside will answer every question, at an international tribunal formed to comprehensively address pro cycling, an almost exclusively European sport.
"We remain hopeful that an international effort will be mounted, and we will do everything we can to facilitate that result.
"In the meantime, for several reasons, Lance will not participate in Usada's efforts to selectively conduct American prosecutions that only demonize selected individuals while failing to address the 95% of the sport over which Usada has no jurisdiction."
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