updated 5:45 p.m. ET Sept. 9, 2005

AUSTIN, Texas - A state judge on Friday dismissed fraud and breach of contract claims filed against Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong by one of his former personal assistants.

Mike Anderson, who worked for Armstrong for about two years, has been in a legal fight with the retired cycling great over promises he claims Armstrong made to help him start a bike shop.

State District Judge Margaret Cooper informed Armstrong’s and Anderson’s lawyers of her decision by letter. A formal ruling will be filed later. Armstrong attorney Tim Herman said the ruling “totally vindicates” Armstrong.

Anderson’s claim of mental distress had previously been dismissed.

Anderson’s attorney, Hal Gillespie, said he will appeal and indicated his client is willing to pursue the matter for a long time.

“It’s a disappointing ruling, but in about a year, we’ll be right back,” Gillespie said.

Anderson still has a legal claim pending that he should have been paid more than his $3,000 monthly salary for the work he did. Herman said he will ask the court to dismiss that as well.

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Anderson created a stir when he filed the lawsuit, claiming he found a banned substance in Armstrong’s apartment in Spain, a charge Armstrong has denied.

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