Landis: B sample positive
2006-08-05 10:45
Paris - The B sample of Tour de France
winner Floyd Landis has tested positive for high levels of the male sex hormone
testosterone, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on
Saturday.
The result confirms the American's initial positive drugs
test given after his victory on the 17th stage of the Tour on
July 20.
"The UCI communicates that the analysis of the sample B of
Floyd Landis's urine has confirmed the result of an adverse
analytical finding notified by the anti-doping laboratory of
Paris on 26th July, following the analysis of the sample A," UCI
said in a statement.
"In accordance to the anti-doping rules, the Anti-Doping
Commission of the UCI will request that the USA Cycling
Federation open a disciplinary procedure against the rider."
Probably stripped of title
The Phonak rider will probably be stripped of his Tour de
France title and faces a two-year ban from the sport. He would
also lose his $575 700 prize money.
Spaniard Oscar Pereiro Sio, who finished second 57 seconds
adrift of Landis in the overall standings, would be declared the
winner of the race.
He would then become the first Spaniard to win the Tour
since Miguel Indurain's last victory in 1995.
According to the good behaviour charter of the teams, Landis
would not be allowed into a Pro Tour team for a further two
years.
It would be the first time in the history of the sport's
biggest event that a Tour winner has been disqualified for
doping.
Landis, 30, tested positive for testosterone after an
astounding comeback in the last mountain stage of the world's
greatest cycling race, just a day after a very poor performance
which all but knocked him out of contention.
Denies wrongdoing
The American has denied any wrongdoing and said his body
naturally produced high levels of testosterone.
Landis now has 10 days to respond to the documents that are
provided, according to USADA rules.
Those documents, Landis's response and any documents USADA
would provide will go to a review panel some time after the 10
days.
The review panel will make a recommendation whether or not
there is a case. USADA, based on that recommendation, will then
decide whether to charge Landis.
If USADA does charge the Phonak rider, he would have an
opportunity to contest that decision and the recommended
sanction before a US panel of judges.
Landis's lawyers could then take the matter to the Court of
Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and a long procedure would begin.
Testosterone can speed up recovery after exercise and
generally improves stamina and strength.
Last weekend Olympic
100m champion Justin Gatlin admitted he had tested
positive for the same hormone.
- Reuters