NEW YORK,  (Reuters) – Lance Armstrong’s lawyer has  labeled the probe against the seven-times Tour de France winner  “un-American” and a waste of money following fresh claims  against the cyclist in the U.S media.

The New York Times published claims yesterday from an  un-named former team mate of Armstrong’s on United States  Postal Service saying that doping on the team was widespread  and carried out with Armstrong’s “knowledge and  encouragement.”

“This is a story full of anonymous sources and more  inappropriate leaks of grand jury testimony designed to create  a circus-like atmosphere,” Armstrong’s attorney Brian Daly said  in a statement.

“The power of the federal government is being abused to  pursue dated and discredited allegations, and that’s flat-out  wrong, unethical, un-American, and a waste of taxpayer  dollars.

“To the extent that any riders are suggesting that Lance  Armstrong violated cycling rules or doped, they are either  mistaken or not telling the truth.

“Lance has ridden with hundreds of riders over the years  who will support his position, and over all that time he has  never failed even a single test,” added Daly.

A grand jury has been convened in Los Angeles following  allegations made by former Postal Service rider Floyd Landis.

Landis, who was stripped of his 2006 Tour title following a  positive dope test, accused Armstrong and several other  American riders of using performance-enhancing drugs.

Armstrong, who has faced doping allegations throughout his  career but never tested positive, has repeatedly denied any  wrongdoing.

The American was diagnosed with testicular cancer before  going on to win seven successive Tours from 1999-2005.