FILE - In this Feb. 22, 2009 file photo, Lance Armstrong prepares for the final stage of the Tour of California cycling race in Rancho Bernardo, Calif.
/ AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Lance Armstrong is asking a federal court to block the latest doping charges against him.
The seven-time Tour de France winner filed a lawsuit in Austin on Monday. Through his attorneys, he argues the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency violates the constitutional rights of athletes when it brings charges against them, and that USADA should not be allowed to pursue charges Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs during his career.
Armstrong says he's innocent, and wants a judge to block the case from going forward. USADA says more than 10 former teammates and team officials will testify against Armstrong, who could be banned from the sport for life and stripped of his Tour de France victories if found guilty.
Armstrong faces a Saturday deadline to accept USADA sanctions or send the case to arbitration.
