by Cheval John

Seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has officially been charged with using performance-enhancing drugs today by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USDA).

Armstrong, a cancer survivor, could face a lifetime ban from cycling competitions if he is found guilty and could be stripped of his seven titles in the process.

The USDA letter, obtained by the Associated Press, accuses Armstrong of using and promoting the use of a blood booster EPO, blood transfusions, testotorone, human growth hormone and anti- inflammatory steroids.

The news was first reported by the Washington Post earlier today.

Armstrong in a statement maintains his innocence of using any drugs and that he was clean this whole time.

The case was investigated by federal criminal investigators for two years, but they did not find any reason to believe that Armstrong was using drugs.

Officials from the USDA says that they will pursue charges against Armstrong despite the conclusion of federal criminal prosecutors.

Armstrong participated in the St. Croix 70.3 Ironman Triathlon earlier this year after retiring from cycling last year.

He was training for another triathlon in France when he heard the news and is now banned from  competition.