THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - The former president of the International Cycling Union says he expects the governing body to respond late next week to allegations by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong was a serial drug cheat.

Hein Verbruggen told The Associated Press on Thursday he would not comment on the detailed USADA allegations before the UCI issues a reaction, likely "toward the end of next week."

The UCI has until Oct. 31 to decide whether to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Dutchman was UCI president from 1991-2005. Armstrong won the Tour de France seven straight times from 1999-2005

USADA says Armstrong should be stripped of his tour titles because of his involvement in "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen."

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