AIGLE, Switzerland — The International Cycling Union asked national members in four countries to investigate riders and officials based on claims of doping made by Floyd Landis.
The UCI said Wednesday the investigations concern Australia's Matthew White, Belgium's Johan Bruyneel — the longtime team manager of Lance Armstrong — Canada's Michael Barry and France's John Lelangue to establish if they broke anti-doping rules.
The UCI stressed that ordering the probes did not "in any way" imply it believes Landis' accusations. Landis has alleged that Bruyneel and Armstrong tried to cover up a failed drug test in 2001 by the seven-time Tour de France winner.
The New York Times, citing anonymous sources, reported Tuesday night that U.S. authorities examining the Landis allegations are looking into whether they should expand their probe to include other charges involving fraud.
Armstrong has denied Landis' claims. Lawyers from Armstrong's RadioShack team issued a statement on Wednesday.
"We understand that responsible anti-doping organizations and governmental agencies have an obligation to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, even when those allegations are baseless, incredible, and made by people with improper motives.
"If any governmental or anti-doping organizations conduct a proper investigation, Lance looks forward to once again being totally vindicated after a fair investigation."
Landis, who was stripped of the 2006 Tour title, recently admitted doping throughout his career.