Armstrong coach Bruyneel banned for 10 years; 2 team staff get 8 years for doping conspiracy

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In this July 4, 2009 photo, Lance Armstrong, right, listens to his coach Johan Bruyneel in Monaco. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Laurent Rebours

Lance Armstrong’s longtime coach Johan Bruyneel has been banned for 10 years for helping organize widespread doping by the former seven-time Tour de France winner’s teams.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency says the Belgian “was at the apex of a conspiracy to commit widespread doping on the (U.S. Postal Service) and Discovery Channel teams spanning many years and many riders.”

USADA on Tuesday announced the verdicts of an American Arbitration Association panel against Bruyneel and two medical staff.

USADA says team doctor Pedro Celaya and trainer Jose “Pepe” Marti will serve eight-year bans.

The three faced charges including trafficking and administering doping products and methods, including EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone, human growth hormone and cortisone. The ruling says Bruyneel had encouraged riders to cheat.

The verdicts followed a four-day AAA hearing in London last December.

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