Lance Armstrong can opt for arbitration concerning the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's decision against him. A USADA review board made a unanimous recommendation on June 29, 2012, that Armstrong should be charged with using performance-enhancing drugs in relation to his career as a cyclist.

It is expected that the 7-time Tour de France winner will contest the charges. In that case, an arbitration hearing will be in order. A

rmstrong has never failed a drug test, and has in fact taken to court those who have implied he uses performance-enhancing drugs. Yet he has caused no small amount of suspicion--and jealousy--among those who have seen him beat cyclists who later turned out to be on performance-enhancers themselves.

Armstrong is claiming that the charges are fueled by spite. His lawyer Robert Luskin claims that USADA president has been out to get Armstrong for the past six years. Luskin will likely serve as one of Armstrong's arbitration attorneys, should such be needed.

The Evidence Against Armstrong

The charges include everything from over-the-counter medications like testosterone and human growth hormone, to more bizarre allegations such as receiving blood transfusions in an attempt to gain an edge.

Armstrong claims that in 25 years as a competitive cyclist, he has passed 500 different drug tests, and never had a spike in his performance. The U.S. Justice Department had spent two years investigating him. They closed his case in February 2012 with no charges.

The USADA's case against Armstrong hinges on the testimony of two former teammates, both of whom have been convicted of doping in the past. There is no physical evidence against the cyclist.

Legal Arbitration with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency

What happens next? The charges came just a few days before Tour de France 2012. Armstrong is expected to opt for the arbitration process, but may not stop there.

"Mr. Armstrong is exploring all his legal options," said Luskin. We will be keeping a watchful eye on this matter.