PARIS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Disgraced Johan Bruyneel, Lance Armstrong's former manager who now coached the RadioShack cycling team, said Friday that he will skip this year's Tour de France.
"I want to be there, but in the light of recent allegations by USADA (the American anti-doping body), it would be an unwelcome distraction for my team and all those who support and take part in the Tour," he said through his twitter account.
The Belgian-born was amid allegations of helping Armstrong use performance-enhancing drugs during his seven Tour victories from 1999-2005.
"It is unfortunate that unfounded accusations have caused my withdrawal from the Tour but I hope to prove my innocence and resolve this matter quickly, once and for all," he said.
If the USADA's charges against Armstrong are proven, the American could be stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.