Lance Armstrong to stand trial in Italy
12/15/2005 7:15 PM PT
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ROME -- Lance Armstrong has been ordered to stand trial in Italy on charges of defaming cyclist Filippo Simeoni (fih-LEE'-poh sih-mee-OH'-nee).
According to Armstrong's lawyer in Italy, the seven-time Tour de France champion was indicted Wednesday and is scheduled to go to trial March seventh.
Enrico Nan says Armstrong does not face jail time, but could be fined if convicted.
Armstrong is being investigated for pursuing Simeoni during an early stage breakaway in last year's Tour de France and reportedly threatening him for testifying about doping abuse in the trial of an Italian doctor associated with the American.
Simeoni told an Italian court in 2002 that the doctor (Michele Ferrari) advised him to take performance-enhancing drugs. Later, Armstrong reportedly called Simeoni a liar, and the Italian sued for libel.
The doctor was given a 12-month suspended jail sentence in October 2004 for sports fraud and malpractice. He continues to deny that he dispensed illegal substances to athletes and is appealing the sentence.
