One of the key witnesses in the Lance Armstrong/US Postal probe, Levi Leipheimer (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) has been placed on non-active status by the team, after the American admitted to doping during his career.
"Following the information released by USADA regarding Levi Leipheimer, Omega Pharma – Quick-Step announces that the rider has been placed on non-active status," read a team statement."
"The team takes the decision of USADA and the consequent statement of Mr. Leipheimer very seriously. The team wants to review and consider all the information now being made available and speak personally with the rider before a final decision is made."
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In an article in the Wall Street Journal timed to come out with the USADA documents published earlier today, Leipheimer told of his realisation that doping was widespread in the peloton when he entered the sport as a youngster, and his decision to eventually dope came as a consequence of a tough reality.
"Right or wrong, in my mind the choice was "do it or go home." For me that was not a choice," said Leipheimer.
"People will be disappointed and say I was wrong, that I should have chosen differently, and am just making excuses. I made the decision I made. I don't offer this description of the sport as an excuse, simply as an explanation of the context and reason for my decision. I won't lie about it, I have to own it, I accept responsibility for my decision.
"I could have come forward sooner. But would that have accomplished anything, other than to end my career? One rider coming forward and telling his story in the face of cycling's code of silence would not have fixed a problem that was institutional.
"When USADA came to me and described a solution, where my admission could be part of a bigger plan that would make the positive changes we've seen in recent years permanent, I said 'I need to be involved.'
"I don't want today's 13 year olds to be discouraged by their parents from dreaming about one day riding the Tour de France."
