EPO claim 'unfounded'

CYCLING: Lance Armstrong's former team manager has described as "unfounded" claims by one of the seven-times Tour de France winner's team-mates that he took a banned blood-booster while preparing for the 1999 race.

Frankie Andreu, who as part of the US Postal Service team helped his American compatriot win the Tour in 1999 and 2000, said in an interview with the New York Times he (Armstrong) had used erythropoietin (EPO).

Speaking to Spanish sports daily Marca yesterday, Johan Bruyneel said "I do not understand why he (Andreu) goes on making these unfounded statements."

Belgian Bruyneel said Andreu was a "pitiful man" with "no credibility" and added, "Neither me nor Lance are losing any sleep over this, because his attacks are no longer a surprise."

Bruyneel is currently directing the Discovery Channel team at the Tour of Spain.

MOTOR SPORT: Michael Schumacher is adamant Ferrari bosses did not force him to announce his retirement following his emotional victory in the Italian Grand Prix.

When the seven-time world champion confirmed he would quit at the end of this season, there were rumours the timing had been dictated by Ferrari's eagerness to confirm next year's driver line-up in Italy.

"I know there has been a lot of speculation about the timing of my announcement, but for me it was just right," said Schumacher. "Ferrari were incredibly gracious and left it all up to me to say when.

"I decided to tell everyone after the Monza race because I wanted to be able to focus on it beforehand."

Schumacher now appears to be riding a tide of emotion towards a record eighth world crown, having closed the gap in the title race behind Fernando Alonso to just two points.