LANCE ARMSTRONG’S LATEST attempt to stop investigations into whether he used performance-enhancing drugs has been dismissed.

Armstrong’s legal team have claimed the US Anti-Doping Agency threatened to ruin the careers of other cyclists in order to gain testimony against the seven-time Tour de France champion.

But US district judge Sam Sparks rejected Armstrong’s complaints for the second time earlier. Travis Tygart, the USADA CEO, said he hopes the decision will see a date set soon for a hearing with Armstrong.

“The rules in place have protected the rights of athletes for over a decade in every case USADA has adjudicated,” Tygart said.

“We look forward to a timely, public arbitration hearing in this case, should Mr Armstrong choose, where the evidence can be presented, witness testimony will be given under oath and subject to cross examination, and an independent panel of arbitrators will determine the outcome of the case.”

USADA charged Armstrong in July with doping and taking part in a conspiracy with members of his winning teams. Armstrong’s lawyers contested the manner in which the USADA have built their case, alleging the organisation offered other cyclists reduced bans in order to testify against him.

The 40-year-old’s lawyers also argued the charges violated his own rights. Armstrong won the Tour de France seven years in a row starting in 1999.

Remember those Olympic badminton players who tried to lose in London?