French authorities have ended their investigations into allegations of drug abuse by the US Postal team after nearly two years. According to officials, no new evidence had been unearthed to support the allegations.

The investigations began in November 2000 after a French tv channel showed footage of Postal team staff disposing of bin bags that contained medical waste. Actovegin, a diabetes treatment that although not on the list of banned substances would fall under a banned category of drugs if it had the effects it claimed, was found among the waste. The US Postal team said the Actovegin was used solely by a diabetic staff member and denied that any of its riders, including the now four-times winner of the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong, used any banned substances.

Investigators have found it impossible to identify any doping agents in blood and urine samples given by members of the US Postal team and chief investigating magistrate, Sophie-Helene Chateau, has decided to end the investigation. The team is said to be relieved to finally have the matter laid to rest, though they’ll no doubt be puzzled why the investigation Lance Armstrong branded a “joke” rumbled along for quite so long.