Lance Armstrong agrees $5million settlement to federal lawsuit

New York, April 20: Discredited cyclist Lance Armstrong has agreed a $5million settlement to a False Claims Act brought against him by former team-mate Floyd Landis and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Armstrong in 2013 admitted to doping during all seven of the years in which he appeared to win the Tour de France, only to later be stripped of his titles.

The lawsuit relates to payments received from the USPS, which sponsored his team during six of those events.

A release from the US Justice Department confirmed the agreement on Thursday (April 19).

"I am glad to resolve this case and move forward with my life," Armstrong said in a statement.

"I'm looking forward to devoting myself to the many great things in my life – my five kids, my wife, my podcast, several exciting writing and film projects, my work as a cancer survivor, and my passion for sports and competition. There is a lot to look forward to."

The allegations were initially brought by Landis in 2010. He admitted to participating in the use of performance enhancing drugs as part of the team sponsored by the USPS.

Landis will receive $1.1m as his part of the settlement.

Acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's civil division Chad Readler said: "No one is above the law. A competitor who intentionally uses illegal PEDs not only deceives fellow competitors and fans, but also sponsors, who help make sporting competitions possible.

"This settlement demonstrates that those who cheat the government will be held accountable."

Source: OPTA