Monday, June 17, 2013

Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

Cycling chief attacks French over Armstrong test
Posted: 04.10.2009 at 9:23 AM
0

LONDON (AP) — The head of world cycling on Friday accused France's anti-doping agency of unprofessional and "disturbing" behavior after it released a report saying Lance Armstrong did not fully cooperate with a drug tester.

The French agency, known as AFLD, said it could punish the seven-time Tour de France champion for not remaining in sight of the doctor conducting a test on his hair, urine and blood on March 17.

No banned substances were found and Armstrong has denied misbehaving, claiming that he was allowed to take a shower during a 20-minute delay.

While the tests fell outside the International Cycling Union's jurisdiction, Armstrong received the organization's backing on Friday.

"The fact (is) the test was done and was a matter of fact reported by Lance Armstrong himself on Twitter," UCI president Pat McQuaid told the BBC. "Then the French authorities decides to make up a report on the testing procedure, forward it to the UCI — knowing that the UCI have no jurisdiction this case — and at the same time that report has leaked to the press.

"So I would have to question why is that the case? I would have to say that the French are not acting very professionally in this case."

Armstrong responded to the AFLD statement by taking swipes at French officials on his Twitter feed, saying "Was winning the Tour seven times that offensive?!?" and "Just took a shower. Got it down under 10 mins. Whew."

Armstrong has had tense relations with France's anti-doping authorities for years, but is hoping to win an eighth Tour title in July after coming out of retirement.

McQuaid said proceedings between anti-doping agencies and the UCI are supposed to be kept confidential until "a decision to open up the case has been taken."

"But this case, it has leaked to the press and I do find that disturbing," he said.

Armstrong was training in Beaulieu-sur-Mer in southern France when the test was conducted. Armstrong said he had returned from a ride to find the tester at his house, identifying himself as a representative of a French lab.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Pump prices hike due to conflict
FOX 31 News Team  |  Sunday, June 16, 2013
Thumbnail
One killed, two injured in Ashburn Inn shooting
Courtney Highfield  |  Yesterday at 11:45 AM
Thumbnail
Commission votes to reopen Westtown library
Jessica Fairley  |  Yesterday at 11:55 AM
Follow My Southwest GA
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Legal
Finding the right lawyer to handle your needs is important.
Win a booster seat!
Click above for your chance to win a booster seat and get safety tips for your child!
Bright Side
Spreading the good news around Southwest Georgia!
ADVERTISEMENT