Posted on 08/03/2006 12:58:31 PM PDT by Vision
CHATENAY-MALABRY, France
Testing began Thursday on Tour de France winner Floyd Landis' backup doping sample, and one of his lawyers reiterated he expects it, too, will show elevated testosterone levels.
However, Landis is "certain he hasn't ingested any prohibited substance," said lawyer Jose Maria Buxeda. "He knows there is a natural explanation to the (initial) finding.
"He's pretty sure we will be able to prove, if this result is confirmed, that it is due to natural causes, to a natural reaction of his body, either (normally) or in the circumstances he was in that particular stage."
The result of the "B" sample test will not be available before Saturday, Buxeda told The Associated Press outside the French lab conducting the analysis.
But the process of determining whether the American cyclist is guilty of doping or whether his body naturally produced the higher than normal testosterone levels could take six months to a year, the Spanish attorney said.
Buxeda and another lawyer, Luis Sanz, were present for the start of the testing. Landis was in the United States.
"The reason why Mr. Sanz and myself said that probably the result is going to be the same is because statistically the results of the `B' sample usually _ not always _ but usually confirm the results of the `A' sample," said Buxeda, speaking in English.
Landis showed a testosterone imbalance in an initial urine sample taken during the Tour de France. Both "A" and "B" samples were provided July 20 after he sped his way back into contention after winning the tough Stage 17 of the three-week Tour.
Michael Henson, a spokesman for Landis, confirmed Tuesday that the July 20 urine test turned up an 11:1 testosterone/epitestosterone ratio _ far above the 4:1 limit allowed.
He acknowledged Wednesday that a carbon isotope ratio test, which detects synthetic testosterone, had been done on the "A" sample. He would not divulge the result, but the New York Times has reported that Landis' personal doctor, Brent Kay, confirmed the sample tested positive for synthetic testosterone.
On Thursday, Buxeda contended that even lab results that show the banned substance was synthetic, introduced from an outside source, would only be a "presumption" _ not a certainty
"I wouldn't say that they (lab experts) know," Buxeda said. "I would say they can presume. They do not have the certainty. ... It is only a presumption."
David Cowan, director of the Drug Control Center at King's College in London, said the carbon isotope ratio test "is the most definitive measure we have at this time."
"If there is a synthetic found (in the sample) than any defense is difficult to prove," he said.
Buxeda suggested Landis' positive result could have been produced by a combination of "dehydration, maximum effort. It's been said alcohol."
"We have to study all these factors," he said, referring to Landis' comments that he and teammates drank beer and whiskey after stage 16.
Landis has said he would undergo further tests to prove his body's natural metabolism _ not doping _ caused the elevated result.
If the "B" sample is positive, the results will be sent to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which would handle the case. If found guilty, Landis would be stripped of the Tour de France title and banned for two years.
"The process could be six, eight months till one year," said Buxeda, who represented Spanish cyclist Roberto Heras when he was suspended for two years after testing positive for EPO.
"Of course, if it doesn't confirm the `A; sample, the case is closed," Buxeda said. Under UCI rules, a negative `B' sample is accepted as the definitive response and the positive `A' sample is ignored.
Professional atheltics, particularly sports like track and field, have gotten to a point where drugs are simply a prerequisite for success at the world class level. That at least is what I have read. Maybe cycling has reached this point now too. It's a shame really.
"Professional atheltics, particularly sports like track and field, have gotten to a point where drugs are simply a prerequisite for success at the world class level. That at least is what I have read. Maybe cycling has reached this point now too"
I think cycling has been one of the leaders in this field, rather than following along. Mid to late 90's it seems, given what we have learned since that all of the top guys were using some kind of subatances. Hopefully, the last few years have seen the start of a clean-up, but there's obviously still a way to go.
cycling machines . . . uh, that is, cycling MAGAZINES
It was a horse drawn buggy a few years ago.
The French probably spiked the sample. Corruption is a part of their culture.
If fans spitted in Armstrong's face, that's not because Armstrong is American, it's just because these fans (which are not all french) are simply morons (to stay polite). And I can tell you that the unpopularity of Armstrong in France (and Europe) is not linked to his nationality but to the fact that Armstrong is absolutely antipathetic, what was not Greg LeMond (despite he beat Bernard Hinault and Laurent Fignon) and what is not Landis.
Yes, as crime, vulgarity and ignorance are part of American culture.
Elevated levels of testosterone can cause prostate cancer. Coincidence? Hmmmm.........
What Armstrong calls anti-Americanism is in fact "anti-Armstrongism". I repeat, the problem with Armstrong in France is not his nationality, it's Armstrong himself.
Thanks for your support. I try to post the articles I found interesting, especially about the "Old Europe". Maybe by that way, Freepers will get a better idea of Europe and understand that it's not necessary to nuke us one of theses days... :-)
It is in fact proven that elevated testeronene leves increases risk taking dramatically.
I think Lance should be kept out of it. He has NOT tested positive.
Anyhow, a lot of people will think what they will anyways.
There has been (and are some great French posters here), and I am impressed by the ammount of venom you guys have to tolerate.
Then again, whenever Norway it mentioned it is talk about Quisling and stuff like that. Those are "fighting words" if they were said to my face.
yet, on a message board like this, who cares?
I just wanted to voice my support.
All good people. In the US and in Europe needs to unite, because we are fighting a global enemy united against us.
Cheers.
I've wondered that too. Why take something if you know you're going to be tested? Or is it that they are tested at random times throughout the Tour and so Landis (if he is guilty) figured it was worth risking it since he was in a desperate situation at that point in the race? Another possibility is that he thought he would able to beat the system - that he had some way of masking the banned substance but for some reason the mask failed to provide cover for him.
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