USADA Strips Lance Armstrong of Titles

The International Cycling Union (UCI) said Friday that it will wait for a further explanation to why Lance Armstrong should lose his seven Tour De France titles before it comments on the case.

The announcement comes a day after the U.S. Anti Doping Agency’s comments saying it will strip Armstrong of his Tour De France Titles.

UCI, the sport’s governing body, expects the USADA to submit documents to parties concerned, stating that they are legally required to do so in cases where no hearing will occur.

The USADA’s decision came after Armstrong said that he will not fight the charges, stating, “I have been dealing with claims that I cheated and had an unfair advantage in winning my seven Tours since 1999. The toll this has taken on my family and my work for our foundation and on me leads me to where I am today; finished with this nonsense.” The Associated Press reports

Armstrong insisted that his statement was not an admission of guilt, but a refusal to enter a process he believes to be unfair.

The UCI and USADA have engaged in a turf war over who should prosecute allegations against Armstrong. USADA chief executive Travis Tygart said the UCI was "bound to recognize our decision and impose it." The Associated Press reports.

If the decision goes through, it will forever tarnish Lance Armstrong’s iconic legacy. After overcoming cancer, Armstrong went on to win seven Tour De France titles between 1999 and 2005 and established a foundation for fighting the disease.