Lance Armstrong assailed a new book going on sale in France on Thursday as ``another baseless attack'' against the seven-time Tour de France champion.

The book by Pierre Ballester and David Walsh, who wrote ``L.A. Confidential: The Secrets of Lance Armstrong'' in 2004, is based on testimony given in a legal dispute between Armstrong and Dallas-based SCA Promotions that had a bonus contract with the cyclist.

The new book, ``LA Official'' evokes the ``strategies put in place by the Armstrong 'clan' to preserve intact 'the legend,''' the French daily Le Monde reported Wednesday.

``This latest attack will be no different than the first _ a sensationalized attempt to cash in on my name and sully my reputation by people who have demonstrated a consistent failure to adhere to the most basic journalistic standards or ethics,'' Armstrong said in a statement.

SCA Promotions tried to withhold a US$5 million bonus owed Armstrong for winning his sixth straight Tour de France, citing allegations of cheating in the book ``L.A. Confidential.''

Armstrong sued, and testimony in the dispute included statements from former teammate Frankie Andreu and his wife, Betsy, who alleged Armstrong told doctors in 1996 he had used performance-enhancing drugs.

Armstrong vigorously denied the claims. The arbitration panel ruled in his favour, ordering the company to pay him $7.5 million.

``I raced clean. I won clean,'' Armstrong said in his statement.

``I am the most tested athlete in the history of sports. I have defended myself and won every court case to prove I was clean. Yet another French book with baseless, sensational and rejected allegations will not overcome the truth.''