An Italian judge has ordered that Lance Armstrong stand trial in a defamation suit next year brought by Italian cyclist Filippo Simeoni.
The Reuters news agency reports the suit against Armstrong revolves around statements 7-time Tour de France winner Armstrong made regarding Simeoni to a French newspaper in 2003.
In the article, Armstrong calls Simeoni a liar for his testimony against Michele Ferrari, who was subsequently found guilty of fraud and acting as a pharmacist.
Simeoni had testified that Ferrari had doped him up for races; a charge particularly nettlesome for Armstrong because Ferrari had coached Armstrong at times during his career, although they severed their relationship after the doping scandal involving Ferrari.
Although he'll be on trial, Armstrong does not have to attend the proceedings, which will be held in Simeoni's home town of Latina. The Associated Press says Armstrong faces a fine if found guilty.
Ferrari is the subject of profile in this month's Bicycling magazine.
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