Lance sues to block doping case

AUSTIN, Texas - The Associated Press

Lance Armstrong filed a federal lawsuit yesterday aimed at preventing the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency from moving ahead with charges that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his career.

Armstrong’s lawsuit says USADA rules violate athletes’ right to a fair trial, and that the agency doesn’t have jurisdiction in his case. It also accuses USADA’s chief executive, Travis Tygart, of waging a personal vendetta against the cancer survivor who won the Tour de France every year from 1999 to 2005.

The lawsuit is an aggressive - and expected - move as Armstrong seeks to preserve his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists ever. Armstrong wants a judge to bar USADA from pursuing its case or issuing any sanctions against him.

Armstrong asked the court to issue an injunction by Saturday, the deadline he faces to formally challenge the case in USADA’s arbitration process or accept sanctions. He could receive a lifetime ban.