Bruyneel and RadioShack-Nissan separate following USADA findings

Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel, Tour de France 2003

Johan Bruyneel today parted company with RadioShack-Nissan as the fall-out from USADA's investigation into Lance Armstrong continues.

Bruyneel, who has managed the team since its formation for the 2010 season, was heavily incriminated in USADA's Reasoned Decision that was published on Wednesday. The Belgian was cited 129 times in the organisation's 200-page report.

The separation was confirmed by the team in press statement this evening, which read: "The Reasoned Decision published by the USADA included a number of testimonies as a result of their investigation. In light of these testimonies, both parties feel it is necessary to make this decision since Johan Bruyneel can no longer direct the team in an efficient and comfortable way. His departure is desirable to ensure the serenity and cohesiveness within the Team."

He is also facing charges brought forward by USADA in relation to his role in the US Postal team and its extensive doping practices, an allegation that he denies. An arbitration hearing is scheduled to take place later this year, with the possibility of a lifetime ban being handed down if Bruyneel is found guilty.

The news may go some way to appeasing Fabian Cancellara, who expressed doubts to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws about working with Bruyneel in the future.  

External link

Full PDF of USADA's 'reasoned decision' plus links to supporting evidence

Related links

USADA publishes details of Armstrong doping case file

UCI responds to USADA Armstrong doping evidence

Former Armstrong team-mate Barry: 'Doping had become an epidemic problem

Hincapie admits to doping during career

USADA strips Lance Armstrong of seven Tour titles

Lance Armstrong to be stripped of his seven Tour titles

Judge dismisses Armstrong lawsuit against USADA

LeMond suggests changes need to be made to drug testing and UCI

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Armstrong attacks USADA for opening formal action against him

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February 4 2012: Armstrong holds off the law

Armstrong case dropped by US investigators

Armstrong investigation arrives in Europe

Armstrong's team mate Popovych testifies he did not witness doping

Armstrong's team-mate Popovych summonsed in doping investigation

Landis admits he doped and implicates others

 

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