PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL
ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION
U.S. federal prosecutors announced on Friday (February 3) that an investigation into allegations of criminal conduct by members and associates of a bike racing team partly owned by seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong had been closed without charges being brought.
The inquiry centred on allegations of drug trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy involving the Tour de France champion and other cyclists.
U.S Attorney Andre Birotte Jr said he was making a public announcement about the closure of the investigation because of widespread media reports about the case.
A U.S. government statement read: "United States Attorney Andre Birotte Jr today announced that his office is closing an investigation into allegations of federal criminal conduct by members and associates of a professional bicycle racing team owned in part by Lance Armstrong.
"The United States Attorney determined that a public announcement concerning the closure of the investigation was warranted by numerous reports about the investigation in media outlets around the world.
"Mr Birotte commended the joint investigative efforts of his prosecutors and special agents with the U.S Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Service - Office of the Inspector General."
