'B' Sample comes back positive
August 6th 2006 03:08
Bonjour tout le monde!
News came in late last night (AEST) that Floyd Landis' 'B' sample from the 17th Stage of the Tour de France has come back positive for high levels of testosterone.
At this stage, he has not been stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title. A decision will be made about this after the completion of an inquiry by the International Cycling Union. It is anticipated that Landis will be stripped of the title, sacked from his racing team Phonak Hearing Systems and banned from the sport for two years. However, this inquiry could go on for months because it has an involved process of appeals and evidence giving.
Landis has said that he did not cheat, he has never taken an illegal substance and he will fight to clear his name. He is sticking by the explanation that high testosterone levels are natural in elite athletes, despite rumours that synthetic testosterone was found in the sample.
So, the next question which needs to be asked: if Landis claims that he did not take any banned substance, how did the synthetic testosterone find its way into his system? Is he lying? Did someone spike a drink? Is there a larger conspiracy at work here?
I suppose we'll just have to wait to find out...
There is another rumour going around that Landis could be sued for bringing the sport into disrepute. Cycling has had a rather bad image over the past few years. The sport should be commended for trying to clean up its act, but will doping ever be completely eliminated from every sport?
It's doubtful. As long as there's competition, there will be athletes out their willing to sell their soul for glory.
I will bring you the latest updates on this issue over the coming weeks.
Melinda
P.S. for all the background information on the case, click here. This will take you to an older post on this blog which has all relevant information.
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