Dopage du Jour

19 yo French rider suspended. But what were those "12 substances" and what do they do?

2012-01-26T00:31:00.000+11:00

Well the media (and most bloggers!) beat these things up and the drug testers don't really explain it very well, so it looks like this young club-level athlete took "everything". And he did take a fair bit. But to be fair what he took was probably only 3, maybe 4 separate drugs, not the widely misinterpreted and reported "12". OK, at worst 7.

The drug testers reportedly found multiple "substances" but many of these are simply the same thing, metabolites or derivatives of the one drug. We can't even be sure why he took this particular selection. He may have been injured, had allergies or was simply misguided. It may not have even worked. It's hard to know what the effects of any drug cocktail may be. Some drugs are enhanced in effectiveness by a small quanity of other drugs but some are blocked and rendered ineffective. And some may be deliberate masking agents. But what are these particular drugs and what do they do, generally speaking?

The "drugs" as reported in Cyclingnews.com are:

3'HydroxyStanozolol - a metabolite of Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. It builds new and repairs damaged muscle. Stanozolol is difficult to detect in standard urine tests and is prone to sedimentation (so samples left to settle will stratify and give contradictory results). Metabolites are simply downstream indicators of a drug that has been metabolised. This counts as drug #1 - Stanozolol. It has been widely used in many sports for performance enhancement.

16B-HydroxyStanozolol - the main metabolite of Stanozolol. Again still just one drug so far.

4B-HydroxyStanozolol - yet another metabolite of Stanozolol.

4-Meyhylhexaneamine (sic) - well actually it's spelled Methylhexaneamine, or methylhexanenamine, or even dimethylamylamine - a vasoconstrictor, usually inhaled (but can be a dietary supplement). That's to say that its prime use is for nasal decongestion. It helps you breathe easier. It is also a central nervous system stimulant, so it probably sharpens you up and possibly helps burn fat. It too has been widely used in many sports for performance enhancement. That's drug 2, if you are counting.

Prednisone - a synthetic glucocorticosteroid that is typically used an an immunosuppressive drug. Whilst that is an unwanted side effect for athletes, it also alleviates allergic reactions and inflammation, so it helps you train longer and harder - in theory. However it has several major adverse side effects, including glaucoma, bone and muscle loss (it's catabolic, not anabolic) as well as thinning of the skin; so the positive effects may be outweighed in the medium to longer term, especially so if you get the dose wrong. It breaks down into cortisol and gives you a feeling of anger at higher doses, so perhaps that may help give an athlete an edge. Just don't take too much for too long. Drug number 3.

Prednisolone - a variant of Prednisone, virtually identical in all but name and chemical structure. Still just 3 drugs.

Oxandrolone - also known as Anavar or Oxandrin, a fairly common anabolic steroid with fewer side effects than most. Builds or heals muscle and thus potentiates mass and power. Drug 4 and the second anabolic steroid. Removes itself quickly, too, so can be hard to catch.

Epioxandrolone - a metabolite of Oxandrolone, so we are still on 4 drugs so far.

Tuaminoheptane - another nasal decongestant, like Methylhexaneamine. May have been mixed in the same batch, I don't know. We'll count it as #5 anyway.

Triamcinolone Acetonide - well now it gets interesting because here we have another corticosteroid (a catabolic steroid, not anabolic). Again it can be used to treat allergies, asthma and rashes and is used as a nasal spray or perhaps more often topically. We don't know how it was applied in this case but perhaps it was in the nasal spray(s) already mentioned? Or perhaps our rider suffered skin allergies and applied it as a cream? Side effects can be bad. Reluctantly #6 but I have some doubts.

6Beta-HydroxyMethandienone - an anabolic steroid that I don't know much about - although I suspect it has a relationship with testosterone. Again, reluctantly, let's call it #7.

17-Epiméthandienone - dare I suggest that this is a metabolite of 6Beta-HydroxyMethandienone? Let's just call it 7.

So we have 7 drugs, really, in 3 groups: anabolic and catabolic steroids plus a selection of nasal decongestants. And we can't be sure how many of these were bundled into one nasal spray. We can however deduce from all of this that we have a rider who took a bundle of anabolic steroids to either build himself up or to heal an injury. He also took corticosteroids, probably both topically and by tablet, either to relieve his allergies or other inflammation, possibly training or injury-related. He may also be asthmatic, or he just wanted to breathe easier in a race.

I doubt that he's that remarkable, really, and I'd really like to know the full truth of his story. Was he just naive, a bit misguided or simply taking things a bit too far?

French Rider Positive For 12 Substances | Cyclingnews.com

The French Cycling Federation FFC has announced a three-year suspension for Alexandre Dougnier, who tested positive for no less than 12 different performance-enhancing substances last year. The 19-year-old, who rode with local club AC Boulogne-Billancourt, was caught by surprise at a Kermesse race in Aubervilliers, France, on May 17, 2011.

Traces of the following substances were found in Dougnier's urine sample, according to the Federation: 3'HydroxyStanozolol, 16B-HydroxyStanozolol, 4B-HydroxyStanozolol, 4-Meyhylhexaneamine, Prednisone, Prednisolone, Oxandrolone, Epioxandrolone, Tuaminoheptane, Triamcinolone Acetonide, 6B-HydroxyMethandienone and 17-Epiméthandienone.

the muse-ette: In for a penny....

While the sheer number of substances makes this an almost farcical story, coming as it does in the wake of the Gregory Bauge case it makes you wonder if French cycling's much vaunted no doping culture is starting to come apart at the seams. Dougnier was only racing at a local level but ACBB is a big club with a big reputation. Was he playing the system or was it playing him?

The report doesn't give any details of how much of each substance was in his sample, or how they all got into his system. Do they all occur in one product or was this guy on a cocktail of medicines?

Performance enhancement via UV light. Or quackery that gets people into trouble?

2012-01-14T12:00:00.000+11:00

Unconfirmed but interesting. What exactly does the UV light do to the blood? Presumably it increases its ability to hold oxygen, or masks other agents - but whether it actually is worth the trouble - who knows? It is suggested that used in small doses (sometimes in concert with magnetism!) it "may" have a positive effect on endurance. Perhaps. Part of the "logic" relies on the principle of altitude training, where not only is the air thinner but the UV is higher. Whilst I get the thinner air hypothesis I'm not sure about the benefits of excessive UV, unless you have a vitamin D insufficiency. And you need the UV to hit the skin, surely, rather than the blood?

Black Light Blood Treatments In Germany? | Cyclingnews.com

A doctor at the Olympic training camp in Erfurt is said to have carried out the procedure.

According to the taz.de, a doctor identified only as Andreas F. was suspended by the Olympic committee and has been under investigation since April 2011. The Olympic camp is for speed skaters, cyclists and track and field athletes.

Public prosecutors in Erfurt are investigating whether the doctor was involved in the “illegal use of medical procedures for the purpose of doping,” spokesman Hannes Grüneisen said. The doctor refused to comment on the matter to the newspaper.

Canadian Agreda confesses EPO use before before being 'caught out'

2011-11-29T14:49:00.000+11:00

One out, all out. Well someone got nervous anyway, or at least their conscience was pricked after teammate Papillon was caught.

What's interesting is that this positive test - coming after the confession - was conducted at the Quebec Provincial RR champs. Not sure of the exact chronology here but there is increasing evidence of drug testers targeting likely offenders and turning up appropriately. I doubt they'll make it down to a club crit but who knows? One day?

Canadian Cycling Confirms Agreda EPO Positive | Cyclingnews.com

The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) confirmed today that Miguel Agreda, who already confessed to taking the banned blood booster EPO, tested positive for the substance at the Québec Provincial Road Race Championships. He was given a two-year ban and is cut off from any future funding by Sport Canada.

Longo case dismissed on a French legal technicality - and life goes on

2011-11-23T16:42:00.000+11:00

As I've said recently, she's a remarkable athlete to have maintained such a high standard for so many decades. In many ways the bike lends itself to longevity, so there should be no real surprise there, although 53 would be pushing the upper limit, surely? I'm 54 and - whilst I never reached the highest levels of the sport anyway - I have only been able to maintain perhaps 80% of my admittedly limited "form" at best. Given my crumbling body it's staggering that Longo can still win national titles against younger competitors. Whilst I can imagine luckier, smarter, better and simply more consistent riders than myself still achieving great open and elite results whilst over 50 it can't be easy.

Given the temptation for an aging athlete to 'maintain the rage' as it were it's also no surprise to see accusations and assumptions being made when these tests were missed. And it is good to see due process followed and justice served. So to fall flat on a technicality is both 'just' and disappointing as well. It's a clear result - but one that really doesn't satisfy. But after all these were missed tests, not failed tests. And that's life.

Jeannie Longo's Doping Charges Dismissed | Cyclingnews.com

AFLD didn't notify Frenchwoman she was still eligible for testing

Jeannie Longo was cleared today of any doping violations regarding three missed out-of-competition anti-doping tests. The disciplinary committee of the French Cycling Federation (FFC) ruled that the 53-year-old Longo, the 1996 Olympic road race gold medalist and 13-time world champion, was no longer on the list of athletes subject to testing by the French anti-doping agency (AFLD), therefore she was not responsible for missing any out-of-competition tests.

63 year old US Master rider suspended for refusing out of competition doping test

2011-11-20T15:12:00.000+11:00

Now you could jump to a quick conclusion here and suspect that he had something to hide - or perhaps he simply took offence at the whole idea. Which is unlikely given we all sign on the dotted line for testing when we renew a race licence... OTOH at 63 he may have been taking all manner of otherwise legal drugs - as many non-racers do - and not bothered to get a medical clearance from his doctor. Laziness rather than outright cheating, as it were.

Or, as at least one person has suggested, he got a bit boastful about getting away with in and was "dobbed in". Take your pick.

USADA Bans Masters Rider | Cyclingnews.com

USADA has suspended master rider Michael Diamond for two years after the American refused to submit to a doping control.

“On October 8, 2011, Diamond, 63, refused to submit a sample when notified by a doping control officer during an out-of-competition test,” a USADA press release read.

Florida masters racer, 63, accepts doping suspension

USADA said Diamond refused to submit a sample on October 8. According to the USA Cycling website, Diamond, racing unattached, finished fifth that day in the Florida time trial championships.

In addition to the suspension from competition, Diamond is also disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to that date.

Florida masters racer, 63, accepts doping suspension

(Joe Papp, or someone claiming to be...) This absolutely happens all the time (riders bragging aloud about their doping or feeling out others in the search for information or access). USADA takes even these situations seriously and if you're a believer in drug-free sport and someone asks you about how they can dope effectively or brags about how they've already done so, you're not obligated to enable them and should notify USADA - if you put your money where your mouth is and really are so concerned about dope-free cycling. At least someone in Florida actually manned-up and didn't just complain on an internet forum. Bravo.

US-based Argentine elite cyclist pinged for anabolics and amps

2011-10-21T15:50:00.001+11:00

Just for the record... another offender, if you keep track of these things...

The anabolic agents, presumably steroids, build and rebuild muscle, helping power and recovery - and the amphetamines are a pick-me-up that gets you going. Perfect for bike racing I guess. Unless you get caught.

Dotti Suspended By USADA For Doping | Cyclingnews.com

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today that Juan Pablo Dotti, of Duluth, Georgia, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and has accepted a suspension for his doping violation.

The 27-year-old, a native of Argentina, tested positive for an anabolic agent and amphetamine on June 12, 2011 in the final stage of the three-day Tulsa Tough in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dotti, racing for the elite amateur Aerocat Cycling Team, finished second on the Riverview Criterium stage and placed sixth overall.

Canadian U23 road champion admits EPO use

2011-10-20T11:00:00.000+11:00

This case ticks the expected boxes. Talented young athlete out to prove himself, lofty expectations, comeback after serious injury. We may not all be talented to this degree but the temptation remains to boost our performance, even more so after an injury. We are all driven in some way to achieve our potential - and it can be difficult to resist taking "shortcuts". Indeed in many ways it makes sense to use whatever is available to heal quicker or to overcome a setback and simply get back to where you "were". Or go one better. We would do that in "normal" life, after all. But on the playing fields of organised sport it's deemed a transgression against fairness - and ethically, it's called cheating.

Canadian Papillon Suspended For EPO | Cyclingnews.com

2010 Canadian under 23 road champion Arnaud Papillon was given a two-year suspension by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) after admitting to doping, it was announced today.

The CCES stated that two of Papillon's samples from this year's Canadian Championships, one taken during competition and one outside competition, were found positive for EPO. Papillon took second in the espoir category in the men's road race.

EPO accusations: Longo, Papp, her husband, his admission and their denials

2011-09-14T10:47:00.001+10:00

OK, so Papp has admitted selling EPO and other drugs to many, many riders. And then the amazing Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli misses a date (or 3) with the whereabouts cops. That's not good. And then Papp implicates Longo's husband - and then they both deny, deny, deny. As you would. And they are - indeed - unproven allegations. And - again - she has not been caught in a drug test either. So some of this is just hearsay. Interesting hearsay though.

I have always admired Longo - and her now long-retired arch-rival Maria Canins for that matter. (Longo and Canins dominated women's bike racing for so long. Epic stuff worth looking up.) Longo's about my age (which is really quite young in an older kind of way) and yet has kept at a ridiculously high level for what seems an inordinate number of years. She has just kept going (whereas I never reached my peak and have declined steadily ever since). Good on her. But there are many who would see this longevity and sustained high-level performance as a sign of possible "cheating". No-one would deny that she has a remarkable record. I wonder what her biological passport could tell us?

Aside from all of that, what Longo-Ciprelli actually has to answer here is why she messed up her whereabouts. Does she have a good enough excuse (unlike Chicken Rasmussen)? Interesting also that she reportedly doesn't use or own either a mobile phone or a laptop. (Wonder if by 'laptop' the journos mean 'PC', or does she have one or more of those?) I imagine the point is that she wouldn't be able to readily update her whereabouts given her "secluded lifestyle". Mind you, that's her choice and she has to work around that, doesn't she?

Sad it may be, especially if it ends her career so badly - but as the cliche goes, rules are rules...

Papp Reportedly Sold EPO To Longo's Husband | Cyclingnews.com

Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli, who has an incredible 59 national and 13 world titles to her name, has become entangled in a headline grabbing doping investigation. Just a few days after it was announced that she failed to provide appropriate information on her whereabouts three times within 18 months, risking a two-year suspension, reports in French newspaper L'Equipe suggest that Longo-Ciprelli's husband and coach bought EPO via the internet.

Papp Pleads Guilty To Distributing Drugs | Cyclingnews.com

Joe Papp, an elite-level cyclist who testified for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in the 2007 Floyd Landis case, pleaded guilty today in a Pittsburgh federal court to two counts of conspiracy to distribute performance enhancing drugs.

Longo In Hot Water With AFLD | Cyclingnews.com

French veteran risks suspension after missed doping control

Jeannie Longo may have ridden her last professional bike race, after the French Cycling Federation (FFC) announced its intention to start a disciplinary procedure for twice giving insufficient whereabouts information and once missing a doping control earlier in the year.

NY Times labels cycling as 'most linked' to drugs. It's an opinion but what about weightlifting, baseball, football...

2011-07-24T11:39:00.001+10:00

OK, it's just an opinion piece - and largely a positive one about cycling cleaning up its act - but why do the authors make these sort of value judgements? Upon what research is cycling deemed to be top of the heap here? And yes, I know it gets said a lot - but why? Because the mass media itself repeats and encourages it? Because cycling is a fringe sport that doesn't bite back? Because of Landis, Hamilton and Armstrong? Because cycling publicises its own infringements rather than hiding them?

Anyway, here's the NYT quote and link:

More than any other sport, bicycling has been linked to drugs. Podium finishers in nearly every Tour over at least the last two decades have failed drug tests, admitted to doping or been linked to high-profile investigations.

As I said, it's mostly positive. It just grates a bit when I know that most cyclists who have obtained PEDs have in my admittedly limited experience got them through other sports people, usually via contacts in a gym. Whilst many of the highest-profile infringements and legal pursuits have indeed been of cyclists, what about the equally infamous drug busts related to football, baseball and athletics? Did they get their PEDs via cyclists, as you may imagine from the anti-cycling hype? Not to my knowledge, no.

Indeed it's common enough knowledge that for many casual users looking for steroids and other 'help' the trail often starts with a conversation at a gym. It's as logical as going to a dodgy doctor, another anecdotal yet 'logical' approach. More recently the internet has gained some credence as a source, too. And whilst I have nothing more than anecdotal evidence for all of this I can't see any solid evidence that things have greatly changed. It may be more organised than 20 years ago, less haphazard. But it surely affects all sports and especially those cashed-up ones. Gyms are full of sports people of various codes who want to build up and maintain muscular strength or recover from injury. That doesn't mean that gyms are in on the whole thing, just that they are logical points of first contact, nothing more. If we are going to label cyclists in particular as 'most bad' then let's actually do the hard yards first and investigate the number and depth of penetration across all sports. Please.

Cross Country Olympic skier and EPO user Mika Myllyla found dead

2011-07-06T09:11:00.001+10:00

A sad passing, but a reminder also that any athlete in any sport can be tempted to use PEDs. Whilst we should not pre-judge the causes here, it should be remembered that having decided to go after athletes that we have labelled as "cheat" we also need to consider their longer-term physical and mental health. Some sort of post-ban rehabilitation program may be required, although an alternative - as unpalatable as it may be to some - is simply to legalise PEDs and control their use. I doubt that will happen anytime soon but ultimately it may be the inevitable outcome of ever more generally accepted genetic and pharmaceutical advances. If the general public continues to pop pills and accept virally-delivered genetic patches to improve function and longevity then the "purity" of the "cheater" label becomes somewhat blurred, doesn't it?

Disgraced Olympic champion found dead in apartment

HELSINKI: The Finnish cross-country skier Mika Myllyla, who won gold at the Nagano Olympics in 1998, was found dead at his home on Tuesday, police announced. He was 41.

Disgraced Olympic champion found dead in apartment

he won nine world championship medals including four golds; three of them at Ramsau in 1999 at 10km, 30km and 50km.

Myllala then tested positive in 2001 for hydroxyethl starch, a masking agent for the banned blood booster EPO.

In June this year he gave a sworn statement during a court case that he had indeed used EPO during the 1990s.

The "Sven S" EPO accusation - or be careful who you employ part-time

2011-07-01T11:10:00.001+10:00

Your part-time and casual staff are as important as any of your full-time permanent staff members - they have to be just as well trained and just as fully integrated into your organisation. It says so in your HR policy guidelines, surely? Umm. Ahhh. Yes.

Of course it rarely works that way, does it? Part-time, casual staff are simply pulled in to fill a hole in a roster, often with little warning. They rarely get the time to do all of the training and induction - or simply forget it shortly thereafter - and have inevitably missed something important whilst they were elsewhere doing whatever they do when they aren't working for you. That's reality. And it works both ways - they may not know you very well and you may not know them very well either. Which if they are accused of dealing in EPO could be a problem, couldn't it?

BMC To Investigate Schoutteten Doping Accusations | Cyclingnews.com

The BMC team has announced it will take immediate action to investigate what involvement part-time soigneur Sven Schoutteten might have had with riders and staff during his interaction with the team.

Schoutteten is alleged to be part of a doping investigation in Belgium that stems from 2009. Customs officials in Liege airport discovered a package containing 195 vials of the banned blood boosting drug EPO.

BMC Soigneur Implicated In Drug Investigation | Cyclingnews.com

A BMC soigneur has been arrested after a long-running investigation into his connection with a shipment of drugs seized at Brussels airport in 2009. The investigation has taken 18 months and ultimately led to the arrest of 'Sven S.' according to Belgium newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. Several other media have reported that the package contained 200 doses of EPO.

Cryotherapy - not new but could it be the "drug" of choice in a PED-free world?

2011-06-09T10:17:00.002+10:00

OK, so it's not a drug. It's not ingested. And it's "natural", as in you could achieve a similar effect with ice. But is it ethical?

In a "perfect" sporting world there would only be sports-specific training and nutrition that brought you to your peak condition and fitness to race. There would be no difference between brands of clothing or bicycle, or no difference that offered a measurable performance advantage, anyway. There would be no adjunct treatment that modified your body, and thus your performance. There would be no oxygen tent to assist in acclimatising to altitude without having to actually train at altitude. There would be no performance enhancing drugs to boost (or perhaps restrain) specific physiological processes. There would just be you and the work you do to make yourself "peak". Simple, but do you agree?

No, of course not everyone agrees. It's rare to find agreement on any of this in any sport - and we often find huge variations between neighbouring nations and their attitudes to specific performance-enhancers. Often it's pragmatism that gets in the way of a global agreement. Perhaps for some it's expensive and inconvenient to travel to a mountainous region so we relax our "perfect" attitude to allow for artificial oxygen-reduced simulations of altitude training. Whereas a nation that has plenty of high mountain passes may take a dimmer view of altitude simulation and ban it. And we may thus allow ice-baths and compression clothing and a myriad of small but significant variations in technology for reasons of self-interest or pragmatism. We accept that it may make our sport more expensive and lock out some competition, at least until they can reproduce the effect.

In some ways we (and that means the UCI in this instance) take arms against this sea of trouble and restrict the design envelope; and yet some people - quite reasonably - say that these very restrictions hold back much-wanted technological advances. So there's a constant tension between increasing the cost, complexity and technology involved through performance-related innovation and that opposing need to keep the sporting playing field somewhat "level".

Thus it is with PEDs - the drugs that may allow you to boost performance in specific ways and work-around the limitations of our bodies. Now we allow some PEDs as a social necessity (eg caffeine) and others for health reasons (eg drugs to provide limited relief from inflammation or pain) but others we just ban outright without a threshold. Ostensibly we do this to control the practice and limit potentially dangerous overuse, and to avoid "cheating", where an athlete unnaturally boosts their abilities beyond the "natural" threshold and gains a secret advantage over their competitors. It's deemed unfair.

It's that "unfairness" around which the whole argument swings. We either ban unfair practices or accept them, depending upon our judgement of the facts as they are perceived.

Of course by announcing openly that you are investing in cryotherapy you remove the secrecy, but does it make it ethical? Is it fair? Or is it just another thread in our expensive cycle-sport arms race?

AG2R Using Cryotherapy For Tour De France | Cyclingnews.com

The French team AG2R-La Mondiale will use cryotherapy to help enhance recovery during the Tour de France, the squad announced today.

Riders will endure three minutes in a special whole body suit, pioneered by Tec4H, which is filled with liquid nitrogen at -150 degrees Celsius.

Cold is said to aid recovery and reduce inflammation, and riders have traditionally taken ice baths to help recuperate from intense efforts. However, the short blast of extreme cold in the new suits, which cover the entire body from neck to ankle, has other benefits, explained the team's medical director Eric Bouvat.

2-years-off birthday present for EPO user Muto

2011-05-25T09:05:00.001+10:00

Nice to get something expensive and thoughtful on your birthday, isn't it? As we effectively end Muto's pro cycling career for apparent cheating bear in mind that lawyers, actors and politicians are amongst a larger segment of our population who are not targeted for PEDs during their working lives. Is that because they are less important or have less impact on our society?

Muto's B Sample Also Positive For EPO | Cyclingnews.com

Pasquale Muto's B-sample has also tested positive for EPO, the Italian Olympic Committee has announced. The Miche-Guerciotti rider had tested positive during the Giro dell'Appennino in April.

Muto, whose 31st birthday is today, now faces a two-year suspension. He had finished fifth in the race at which he tested positive.

Nothing to do with cycling but I feel like a break - Pete Townshend mucking about with loops in a DAW

2011-05-21T15:48:00.002+10:00

OK, it's not really about Dopage but maybe waaaay back in the 60s and 70s... and possibly the 80s... there's a link. Point is that we don't like to see "performance enhancement" in our sports but don't mind it so much (generally speaking) in other professions. Is it hypocrisy? I'll think about it.

This vid is funny, especially if you know the guy is chief creator at the Who. I can't really see Mick and Keef mucking about in their home studio like this, but in contrast Townshend has done it the geeky muso "hands on" way since at least the late 60's.

And a DAW? Digital Audio Workstation. He's using Ableton Live here (I use Live Lite and can vouch for its capabilities even in cut-back form. Anyway, it's an interesting insight into how one 66 year old rocker (or mod, rather) has adapted to the digital world.

What George is reported to have told the FDA. And what about the rest of the team?

2011-05-21T10:42:00.001+10:00

Well if true it does rule Hincapie out of this year's TdF, surely? He not only saw Armstrong take PEDs but he and Lance "supplied" each other and "discussed" having taken testosterone. I'm sure there's a lot more to come... there's a whole peleton of suspects out there waiting to have their say.

Report: Hincapie Tells FDA Armstrong Took PEDs | Cyclingnews.com

The news agency AP has reported that George Hincapie (BMC) has informed the FDA that he witnessed Lance Armstrong use performance enhancing drugs.

Report: Hincapie Tells FDA Armstrong Took PEDs | Cyclingnews.com

CBS News has also reported that, "Hincapie testified that he and Armstrong supplied each other with the endurance-boosting substance EPO and discussed having used another banned substance, testosterone, to prepare for races."

Ekimov to take the 2004 Olympic TT gold after all? Hamilton hands his back

2011-05-21T10:36:00.001+10:00

Well again this is not "new" news, is it? But it's nice to see some honour amongst thieves, I guess. Ekimov of course is now retired (again) but had a long and illustrious career (can't forget his pursuit tussles with Dean Woods and co back in the late 1980s, can we?). He deserves this added official respect.

Hamilton Gives Back Olympic Time Trial Gold Medal | Cyclingnews.com

Hamilton had won the 2004 Olympic Games time trial ahead of Viatcheslav Ekimov (Russia) and Bobby Julich (United States of America) and Michael Rogers (Australia). In theory, the new assignment of medals could be Ekimov - gold, Julich - silver and Rogers - bronze.

A previous joint appeal by the Russian and Australian Olympic Committees to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, in 2006, was denied. The Russians and Australians had asked unsuccessfully for CAS to give Hamilton's medal to Ekimov.

Hamilton's "confession"...

Hamilton Gives Back Olympic Time Trial Gold Medal | Cyclingnews.com

Hamilton, a former teammate of Lance Armstrong claimed that seven-time Tour de France winner had used performance enhancing drugs, including EPO and testosterone during several of his Tour wins. Hamilton made the claims during an interview with the credible "60 Minutes" program that is planning to air this Sunday, and those claims emerged yesterday.

C'mon George, what did you see? Not a Grand Tour but a Grand Jury for Armstrong. What could Hamilton, Landis and Hincapie possibly have testified?

2011-05-21T10:24:00.001+10:00

A lot rests on George Hincapie's testimony, doesn't it? Especially since Hamilton, like Landis, has now admitted what he saw and did.

It's not really news, but it's like the stars aligning. Almost a year ago there were reports circulating in the WSJ about who the FDA would be interested in and what they may say about Lance Armstrong. Well what they have (reportedly!) said as testimony to the FDA's Grand Jury hearings is finally coming out... and it's not exactly positive (pun intended, sorry) about Mr Armstrong. If it's as reported, anyway (have I said that enough?).

Bear in mind that this investigation carries enormous legal weight and anyone holding back the truth deliberately would potentially face a serious legal consequence. So what they have admitted, if reported accurately, carries more than a little impact. That anyone would lie at this stage would seem unlikely, especially when - like Landis and Hamilton - you have already been caught with PEDs in your blood and suffered major consequences. It's easy to imagine that they wouldn't want a jail sentence on top of what they have endured already. It's time to just own up. What else can be lost?

However the counter argument is 'how can we trust these guys?'. To which I would refer again to my previous para.

And as for Hincapie, well only blind loyalty would stand in the way of him simply telling the truth to a Grand Jury. His credibility is surely intact so far, so why lie now?

Bicycling.com reported on the WSJ article with particular reference to Hamilton, Landis and Hincapie last year...

Hincapie and Hamilton Could Change Armstrong Investigation | Boulder Report | Bicycling.com

Salacious details aside, the most important part of last week’s story was very lightly remarked – that three other former members of Armstrong’s U.S. Postal Service team told the Journal they witnessed doping on the team and one said he had participated. Those riders were not named by the Journal, but it’s evident that the Journal did not print Landis’ allegations without verifying at least some of them with other sources.

Now, the Journal reports that investigators are looking to speak with other riders. That’s not a shock, but what is significant about it is two of the riders (there are undoubtedly others) the Journal says are being targeted: Tyler Hamilton and George Hincapie.

An August 2010 report...

Armstrong hires Clinton media expert Fabiani, Hincapie appoints legal team

Armstrong denied the charges and said that Landis had a credibility problem after previously lying about his own doping use. However investigators have been seeking statements from other former US Postal Service riders and employees, and several un-named riders have been reported as having already been in talks with Novitzky. At least one individual is thought to have backed up Landis’ claims.

And more recently...

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

Since August a grand jury has been meeting in Los Angeles to hear testimony by associates and confidants of Armstrong's. Those subpoenaed or interviewed include Armstrong's former teammates Tyler Hamilton, George Hincapie and Kevin Livingston; Mike Anderson, who once worked as Armstrong's bike mechanic and assistant; and Oakley sunglasses marketing representative Stephanie McIlvain. Another former teammate of Armstrong's, Floyd Landis, who won the 2006 Tour de France but was stripped of the title because of a positive drug test, also gave information to investigators.

So please, what did Hincapie say?

Silly season works it way to crescendo of dopes prior to Le Tour

2011-05-09T08:45:00.001+10:00

It's Grand Tour time and there are accusations flying about... as usual. Here's a brief run down just for the record. Bar making the prediction that Le Tour 2011 will be preceded by the usual denials, claims and counter-claims and whilst personally not being too fussed about it, it does bring a decent sport - and riders - into unfair disrepute; so I shall say nothing more. Except, take it all with a grain of salt and always remember that there are people's lives involved here, on all sides.

Savio Caught Up In Italian Doping Investigation | Cyclingnews.com

De Angeli rode for Savio’s team in 2005 but tested positive for EPO and was suspended for two years. He then suffered personal problems but decided to speak out two years ago and accused Savio of dealing doping products when giving evidence to the anti-doping investigators at the Italian Olympic Committee. This sparked the police investigation.

Savio: Mantova Investigation Damaging For Italian Cycling | Cyclingnews.com

Gianni Savio has spoken about the Mantova investigation that has engulfed Italian cycling in the past week. The Androni Giocattoli manager was at the Paris Roubaix team presentation and believes that whatever the outcome of the investigation, Italian cycling has taken another severe hit to its already shaky integrity.

“Fortunately it’s not a question for us. We have no riders in the investigation so it’s very difficult to know what happened and what will happen,” he told Cyclingnews.

“But it’s damaging for Italian cycling,” he added. “I think that all these questions are bad for cycling.”

Gazzetta Dello Sport Reveals More Details Of Mantova Police Investigation | Cyclingnews.com

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed further details of the police investigation that has engulfed the Lampre-Farnese Vini team, claiming that 16 riders and staff from the team have been formally placed under investigation for doping related offences.

A total of 35 people are under investigation by police in Mantova as part of a two-year investigation. Local media in Italy have suggested the investigation was sparked by the confession of Emanuele Sella after he tested positive for CERA in 2008.

Ballan And Santambrogio Pulled From Racing | Cyclingnews.com

The BMC Racing Team has announced on Friday morning that Alessandro Ballan and Mauro Santambrogio will not be racing pending the outcome of the Mantova police investigation, an anti-doping investigation currently being held in Italy.

Mantova Investigation Set To Reveal Accused During Giro D'Italia | Cyclingnews.com

The investigation is still big news in Italy with Gazzetta dello Sport again dedicating two pages to it on Thursday under the headline of "Un 'inchiesta che fa tremare' -an investigation that makes you shake with fear. One page carried an interview with the judge and the other an interview with Guido Nigrelli, the pharmacist at the centre of the investigation.

Nigrelli again denied any wrongdoing. He confirmed that former World Champion Alessandro Ballan used to do testing with him and confirmed he has been a friend of Lampre team manager Giuseppe Saronni for 30 years. He also said the Lampre-Farnese Vini team doctors ordered regular supplies of medicines from him but insisted he had not done anything illegal.

"The thing that has bothered me the most is that 60 families risk everything. If Lampre doesn't ride the Giro, it'll close down," he said, raising the spectre that the future of the Italian team could be at risk.

Out of the blue, Sinkewitz sinks into the mire. Provisionally, of course.

2011-03-19T09:22:00.001+11:00

Oh here's a surprise. It's provisional, it's subject to a hearing, etc. OTOH he's previously been done for testosterone and has admitted EPO use. I don't want to pre-judge anyone but many will simply join the dots. It's tempting.

SBS: Cycling Central : UCI bans Sinkewitz over positive test

"Earlier today, the UCI advised German rider Patrik Sinkewitz that he is provisionally suspended," a UCI statement read.

"The provisional suspension remains in force until a hearing panel convened by the German Cycling Federation determines whether Mr Sinkewitz has committed an anti-doping rule violation."

It is alleged a growth hormone showed up in tests of a blood sample taken from Sinkewitz

MTBer van Houts visits Mexico, confirmed positive for Clenbuterol and declared eligible to ride

2011-03-18T09:42:00.001+11:00

I guess there must be a doubt about Mexican beef as well as the Spanish variety. If Clenbuterol is really the drug of choice right now it's going to be really hard to "prove" a case against an athlete when "inadvertent consumption" is validated as an excuse. It's back to proving "intent" - a much more difficult thing than a simple positive.

Van Houts Free To Ride Again After Clenbuterol Positive | Cyclingnews.com

According to the Koninklijke Nederlandsche Wielren Unie, van Houts was not acquitted, but convicted without punishment. “There was Clenbuterol in Van Houts' body,” said Herman Ram, director of the federation's doping authority, to telesport.nl.

“In this case the disciplinary committee ruled at the request of van Houts and the advice of the doping authority, where we knew there was a violation but that van Houts cannot be blamed for it. There is no punishment imposed.”

Biological passport stamped FAIL for Pellizotti and Caucchioli... 2 years off, loss of prior wins

2011-03-09T10:29:00.001+11:00

The biological passport wins again. Or does it? Remembering that there is no positive test here, just aberrant blood values picked up by an 'expert committee' looking over longitudinal data. Now they may well be right, and I for one have faith that the committee knows what they are looking for - but if you were actually innocent (always possible, you know) how would you feel about 2 years off work for no apparent reason? Gutted? Plus the shame of it. Then again, if we added power values over time to this biological data would that add some extra robustness and quell any doubts? Is it needed or do we simply need more trust in the present system?

Pellizotti Banned For Two Years By The Court Of Arbitration For Sport | Cyclingnews.com

Italy’s Franco Pellizotti has been suspended for two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after it upheld an appeal by the UCI.

The 33 year-old was snared by the UCI’s Biological Passport before last year’s Giro d’Italia but was then cleared by the Italian Olympic Committee in October.

Pellizotti’s legal team had requested an urgent verdict and the arbitrators took just five days to reach their decison. His ban is expected to last until May 2012. Fellow Italian Pietro Caucchioli was also given a ban, with CAS confirming the two-year suspension issued by the Italian Olympic Committee.

Chilean cyclist Arriagada fights steroids positive - as you would

2011-03-03T08:13:00.001+11:00

Hard to imagine what "tests" he will undergo to prove his innocence, unless his body naturally produces higher-than normal levels of anabolic steroids. We could call that the "But I'm Innocent" or "Landis Type 1" defence. Perhaps Marco will have better luck than Landis.

SBS: Cycling Central : Chile's top cyclist facing doping test battle

Chile's top cyclist Marco Arriagada announced he has tested positive for banned substances but has pledged to prove his innocence.

Arriagada tested positive during the Tour of Chile, a race he has won three times, in February. According to press reports the 35-year-old's sample tested positive for anabolic steroids.

If Contador's really innocent then it's all good. Unless you consider the unfairness of it all. A tainted media beef.

2011-02-16T09:40:00.001+11:00

If Contador really ingested Clenbuterol inadvertently, without any knowledge or intent, then all, surely, is good. Until WADA decides to appeal, I guess. Six months down, another 6 months of goodness to come?

Now we may think Alberto guilty or innocent, but how could we know? We just get fed the same tainted media beef everyone else gets. We may have doubts about the fairness of this decision to others, particularly to those athletes who have been in similar situations of "inadvertence" but were penalised (see the link to Rory Sutherland's story, below). Now we can't turn back the clock and reverse such past "unfair" decisions, they are done and dusted - and personal careers delayed, destroyed or at least deflected onto new paths. (Although you can't help but wonder if some of those penalised athletes may not be thinking ruefully at this outcome and wondering if there's a compensation angle opening up here. Sadly that's unlikely.) And yes, we may imagine making valid exceptions where real doubt exists. But we do have a duty to be careful in choosing our exceptions.

Is Contador an exception to the rule for the right reasons? Or for the wrong ones?

Contador’s spokesman confirms that he’s been cleared of Clenbuterol doping charges

“Alberto Contador has been officially cleared by the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation and has been authorized to return to competition immediately,” said Jacinto Vidarte. “If everything goes well, the rider will take the start, tomorrow, at the Volta ao Algarve.”

Media Reactions To Contador's Clearing On Doping Charges | Cyclingnews.com

My feeling is that this case (and more generally article 296 of the UCI’s regulations) sets an extremely dangerous precedent. The UCI couldn’t show conclusively that Contador had deliberately taken clenbuterol? OK, does that mean the same now applies when a rider tests positive for EPO?

Media Reactions To Contador's Clearing On Doping Charges | Cyclingnews.com

is the only real difference between Contador and someone like the American Tom Zirbel, banned for two years after accidentally ingesting the hormone DHEA, the money they were able to invest in their defence?

There are parallels with Rory Sutherland's case, but with a very different outcome (although Rory thankfully got his career back on track after an enforced delay.)

Rory Sutherland Interview: Rory's Story | Cyclingnews.com

Sutherland claims he had no prior knowledge of the substance until he was told it was present in his body at the time he was tested, which occurred at the Deutschland Tour (Tour of Germany) in August 2005. Evidence reveals the concentration of Clomiphene in his body was in the range of 5-10 nanograms - in other words, 5-10 billionths of a gram - and it was this argument that was put forward to the disciplinary committee at his November 23 hearing.

Furthermore, an independent investigation committee wrote in its report that it did not find "any indication that Sutherland was directly or indirectly implicated in expressing interest in or in using substances classified as doping agents" and that "Sutherland took the substance unknowingly."

There are many examples of such "alternative endings" to this "inadvertent ingestion" story. Perhaps Alberto's story will receive an alternative ending when WADA decides to take it further - or not.

I guess it's too late to hope that Ricco is innocent. But what happens if Contador gets off?

2011-02-14T09:27:00.001+11:00

Although I wanted to believe that Ricco could resist temptation it looks increasingly unlikely that he'll talk his way out of this one - even if it is all hearsay at the moment. And we haven't heard from him at all (is he even able to speak right now?) so who knows what has really happened. OTOH Contador has put up a good, spirited case against overwhelmingly solid evidence. Yet I have a sneaking suspicion he'll get off, despite premature announcements of guilt and a 1 year ban. He's definitely positive for a banned substance - and many others have just copped it sweet for these "inadvertent ingestion" calls - but the signals are very mixed. The UCI doesn't want to interfere, yet they don't want to "crucify" him either. And the Spanish are hesitant with their "proposals". We shall soon know.

SBS: Cycling Central : Vacansoleil suspend Ricco

Ricco returned from a doping ban early last year however the Italian climbing specialist aroused suspicion when he was admitted to hospital last week suffering from a suspected blood infection.

Reports claimed Ricco made himself ill by injecting blood which had not been stored properly.

A Vacansoleil statement issued overnight meanwhile suggested they had found enough proof of a doping infraction to suspend the Italian, and were taking legal advice about ending his contract.

SBS: Cycling Central : Spanish PM defends Contador

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has defended Tour de France champion Alberto Contador, who is facing a one-year ban for doping offences.

SBS: Cycling Central : Spanish PM defends Contador

Despite repeatedly denying taking any banned substances, blaming the result on food contamination, it increasingly looks like stage racing's biggest talent will be banned.

The Spanish cycling federation (RFEC) made a proposal last month to ban Contador for a year.

Contador positive for Clenbuterol in four different tests

Previously reported as positive on two days, the Spanish media has reported that Alberto Contador’s samples showed traces of Clenbuterol on four different occasions, spread over five days.

Garcia takes a 2 year rest for EPO and HES (masking agent) use. Meanwhile...

2011-01-29T10:58:00.001+11:00

Plenty of these positives still flying around. I guess that's a positive in itself, but I can't help but wonder how many get missed. Meanwhile Contador will be appealing his 1 year "rest". I do wonder if he is actually guilty, or if he is simply tainted by past associations. I get the feeling that many people feel he is "guilty" but there doesn't appear to be that final, definite "proof". Although a positive for Clenbuterol does suggest a certain degree of walking the edge.

Spain’s David Garcia handed two-year doping ban

Spanish cyclist David Garcia has been handed a two-year doping ban following his positive test at the last Tour of Spain, the Spanish Cycling Federation said Thursday.

Garcia, who finished in 11th place competing with the Xacobeo team at LaVuelta, took the in-competition test on September 13 after which the Madrid laboratory analysing his sample detected banned blood booster EPO.

The World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory in Madrid indicated an adverse analytical finding of EPO and found the racer had tested positive for another prohibited substance, Hydroxyethyl Starch (HES), based on samples taken on September 16 in Cologne, Germany.

At news conference, Contador vows to appeal

An angry Alberto Contador on Friday vowed to fight a proposed one-year doping ban and reasserted his claims of innocence against charges that he doped to win the 2010 Tour de France.

Speaking publicly for the first time since news broke Wednesday that he’s facing a one-year ban and disqualification of his 2010 Tour victory after traces of clenbuterol turned up in a doping control, Contador promised to fight “until the end” to clear his name.

At news conference, Contador vows to appeal

“I am innocent. I have never doped in my career. I say that loud and clear, with my head held high. I am an example of cleanliness in this sport.”

Guilty or not, it's all Contador's fault - slight paraphrase of McQuaid quote

2011-01-21T13:40:00.001+11:00

Well that's an odd thing to say. Contador won Le Tour, check. He was tested positive for a minute amount of Clenbuterol, check. But any amount is too much, check. Contador says he didn't do it, it was in beef brought over from Spain, check that too. There's no decision as yet, and there may be an appeal in any case. Check again. Yet the president of the UCi is apparently telling the press that - guilty or innocent - Contador has sullied the name of cycling. Even if he's innocent. Now that's quite a statement.

Don't you love this sport's administration? So professional in its approach. At least we know where the UCI stands on this question.

Contador Has Damaged Cycling, Says McQuaid | Cyclingnews.com

"I don't want to speak about the affair before it is concluded. But naturally, the fact that the Clenbuterol was found overshadows last year's Tour de France. Whether he is guilty or not, Contador has damaged us very much," said McQuaid, also clarifying his recent comments doubting Contador's presence at this year's Tour.

Going for a long ride? HemAssist, DCLHb or HBOC - whatever the name, it's in the news. A bit more on what it is, does

2011-01-21T09:29:00.001+11:00

It's "a Hemoglobin-based Oxygen Carrier (HBOC), part of a class of drugs that is engineered to carry oxygen" and it was discontinued in 2008. But there is speculation that a deal was done and stocks kept for future use. By athletes, not blood-loss trauma patients. Read the links for more. Remember, this is speculation and allegation only and completely subject to denial by the parties named!

The Science of Sport: The drug of 2011? HemAssist and Armstrong

HemAssist: A drug you'll never use, but you'll be hearing more about

Talking Points | Boulder Report

The most damaging allegation in the SI piece is that in the late 1990s, Armstrong gained access to an investigational drug called HemAssist. That drug, an experimental hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, was in clinical trials during the time frame SI identifies.

HBOCs, as they’re known, are essentially blood substitutes devised for use in trauma medicine. They’re recombinantly engineered, stabilized hemoglobin molecules that replace the oxygen-transport capabilities of normal human blood, at least for a short time.

Popo, Armstrong and the ongoing but well-denied drugs-in-sport saga. Landis says "legalise it"

2011-01-20T10:33:00.001+11:00

This ain't no court of law, but the way we are heading someone is (again) going to land in one. In summary, Sports Illustrated has today published an extensive article based on their own investigation into the drug-abuse claims made by Floyd Landis and others against the USPS professional cycling team, including one Lance Armstrong. Yesterday Floyd stepped aside and said that cycling should fix its own problems from here; today he's back, angered in a way by the SI article. Meanwhile Lance denies all accusations.

It's a long but fascinating read and by no means does it cover every accusation ever laid at Lance's door. It doesn't represent a legal case against Armstrong but it does summarise many of the claims made over the years and adds some more recent quotes from the people concerned. As I said, Armstrong denies all and we have to take him at his word. But it's quite stunning to read all of this in SI, which has previously named LA their "sportsman of the year". I have pulled some quotes from the SI article, below.

But what of Floyd's gun control analogy? In Floyd's view the "bad guys" (in the US) already have guns (read drugs) therefore we should just let everyone have them and 'control' it? However Australia for example has enforced tougher gun control since 1996, amid howls of protest from shooters, yet seems to have settled into a more peaceable, lower-risk state (although even that is disputed, some studies suggesting that as criminal or suicidal firearm use declined alternatives increased). However disputed, gun control has popular support, at least in Australia. I suspect that the general public also sees drug control in sport as a 'fairness' issue and that drug control remains a popularly supported action.

Arguments of fairness aside, legalising drugs in sport would possibly necessitate as much - or more - testing and thus cost at least as much as the current state, if cost concerns us. If you are to monitor the safe use of performance enhancing drugs (PED) then testing remains likely. And costly. Or do you legalise it and monitor overuse by PED-related illness, injury or death rates?

Alcohol is a dangerous yet generally legal - but somewhat controlled - drug in wide community use, and alcohol-related health and social issues are manifold as well as obvious. Do we accept legalised alcohol use as a "success" and model PED use in the same way, allowing for extreme users to suffer the consequences?

And cigarette smoking remains legal yet somewhat controlled by taxes, availability and marketing for health (and societal cost) reasons. Is that a good model for PED use? Would it work as well?

It's a difficult moral and ethical question with no single "correct" answer; nor is it as easy to solve as simply giving up.

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

Around 8 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2010, Italian police and customs officials acting at the behest of agents of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pulled over Yaroslav Popovych as he drove on a roundabout in Quarrata, a quaint Tuscan village of stucco facades and colorful shutters between Pistoia and Florence. The officials had been looking for Popovych, one of Lance Armstrong's Radio Shack teammates, to execute a search warrant. Italian authorities say the Ukrainian cyclist was startled but cooperative. He led them through olive groves to his house beside a cemetery. There the officials found drug-testing documents, medical supplies and performance-enhancing drugs. They also found e-mails and texts that, they say, establish that as recently as 2009 Armstrong's team had links to controversial Italian physician Michele Ferrari, with whom the Texan had said he cut ties in 2004.

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

Lance Armstrong entered the Olympic world around 1990, at age 19, after a transition from competing in the triathlon. Two of his teammates on the 1990 U.S. junior team, Greg Strock and Erich Kaiter, claimed in a suit against USA Cycling in 2000 that coaches administered steroids to them in 1990, damaging their immune systems and cutting short their careers, according to documents from the suit. Neither Strock nor Kaiter ever tested positive. The suit was settled in November 2006; USA Cycling paid each rider $250,000.

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

In May 1999, USA Cycling sent a formal request to Catlin for past test results—specifically, testosterone-epitestosterone ratios—for a cyclist identified only by his drug-testing code numbers. A source with knowledge of the request says that the cyclist was Lance Armstrong. In a letter dated June 4, 1999, Catlin responded that the lab couldn't recover a total of five of the cyclist's test results from 1990, 1992 and 1993, adding, "The likelihood that we will be able to recover these old files is low." The letter went on to detail the cyclist's testosterone-epitestosterone results from 1991 to 1998, with one missing season: 1997, the only year during that span in which Armstrong didn't compete. Three results stand out: a 9.0-to-1 ratio from a sample collected on June 23, 1993; a 7.6-to-1 from July 7, 1994; and a 6.5-to-1 from June 4, 1996. Most people have a ratio of 1-to-1. Prior to 2005, any ratio above 6.0-to-1 was considered abnormally high and evidence of doping; in 2005 that ratio was lowered to 4.0-to-1.

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

During an interview with SI last week, Catlin was read his 1999 letter. He said that because he tested by code and not by name, he has "no clue which sample belonged to Lance," but he admits the data are disturbing. He explains that one failed confirmation would be a "once-in-a-blue-moon" occurrence. As for the three high T/E ratio results detailed in the letter, he says, "that's very strange." When Catlin's letter was read to Breidbach recently, he too expressed concern, saying, "Wow, that should not happen. If you find a nine and can't confirm, then something is very wrong with your screening test."

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

According to Betsy Andreu's statement, Armstrong was asked, "Have you ever done any performance-enhancing drugs?" By Andreu's account, Armstrong said yes and then listed them: EPO, growth hormone, cortisone, steroids and testosterone.

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

Swart says that on a recovery ride after a race in Italy that March, Armstrong, disappointed with the team's result, had suggested that riders start taking EPO, which was banned by the IOC in 1990. "He was the instigator," Swart says. "It was his words that pushed us toward doing it. It was his advice, his discussions."

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

Mike Anderson says he felt a dull sadness as he stared at the little white cardboard box in Armstrong's bathroom cabinet. His eyes focused on the word ANDRO written on the label. Anderson tried to rationalize it. Maybe it was leftover cancer medication, but this was 2004, long after Armstrong's disease had been defeated, and there was no prescription attached.

AS THE CYCLIST AND CANCER CRUSADER FACES - 01.24.11 - SI Vault

The agents looked through the bag and found syringes and drugs with labels written in Spanish. As Landis recounts, Armstrong then asked a member of the contingent to talk to the agents and persuade them that the drugs were vitamins and that the syringes were for vitamin injections. Says Landis, "The agents looked at us sideways but let us through."

A Summary Of The Sports Illustrated Lance Armstrong Investigation | Cyclingnews.com

Swart says he took EPO but admits he never saw Armstrong or another teammate from the Motorola team take the drug. However he claims that during internal blood testing on July 17, 1995, “Lance was at 54 or 56 (blood haematocrit percentage).” In 2001 the UCI introduced a limit of 50%, while an average male value is around 43%.

Armstrong's spokesman Mark Fabiani told Cyclingnews, "The story is filled with old news, recycling the same old tired lies from the same old tired liars".

A spokesman from Sports Illustrated told Cyclingnews, "We stand by the reporting in the story."

Floyd Landis Calls For Legalised Doping | Cyclingnews.com

However Landis's beliefs that doping should be legalised come on the back of his retirement. He told Cyclingnews:

"In the US we have these gun laws where half the country thinks we should have them and half don't, but the fact of the matter is that the bad guys have guns and you can't get them back from the bad guys. It's nice to live in a pretend world where you can start over, where you say you're not going to have guns, well that's wonderful and good luck with that and go to church on Sundays and enjoy yourself, but the fact of the matter is that there are guns and the bad guys have them and trying to keep others from having them isn't going to accomplish anything," he said, using guns as an analogy for doping in sport.

2 year 'sentence' for Sentjens - EPO - attempted to prolong career

2011-01-05T12:23:00.001+11:00

So he just abandoned hope and quit instead. Whilst doping is morally and ethically wrong - as well as banned by the ruling body - it's also an understandable temptation. Not just because you want to win, but also because it may assist your recovery from injury or - as in Sentjens's case - help prolong your career. There you are, just 29, wondering how you can keep - or get - a job in your chosen profession. You succumb to temptation and get caught. Problem solved I guess.

Sentjens Banned For Two Years For EPO Use | Cyclingnews.com

The Royal Belgian Cycling Federation (KBWB) announced today that it has given former Milram rider Roy Sentjens a two-year suspension and €10,000 fine for doping.

Sentjens tested positive in an out-of-competition test on August 16, 2010 for erythropoeitin (EPO).

Ortega positive to EPO, Contador denies again

2010-12-21T15:51:00.001+11:00

Just documenting it as it falls... not that I can really tell you much about Ortega anyway. As for Contador, well he seems to get pinned with everything that moves in Spain now, no matter how slim the evidence.

Portugal Stage Winner Ortega Tests Positive For EPO | Cyclingnews.com

Carlos Pereira, sports director for the Portuguese Continental team Barbot-Siper, has admitted to A Bola that one of his riders, Joaquín Ortega, tested positive for EPO prior to the Tour of Portugal. Ortega won the sixth stage of the national event, but returned a positive sample before the stage race and will now face a two-year ban, on top of losing his victory.

Contador Denies Link To Madrid Doping Suspect | Cyclingnews.com

Interviú describes Fernández Alba, who works at the SPE “clinical gym” in Majadahonda, north of Madrid, as Contador’s “manager, discoverer and coach”. However, it appears that the pair’s only connection is via the Madrid regional cycling team that Contador rode for before turning pro.

In a statement, Contador’s press officer, Jacinto Vidarte, has said: “Alberto Contador categorically denies the information published in Interviú magazine in which it is stated that the current president of the Madrid’s Cycling Federation was his discoverer and manager, as well as being a client of his at the centre where he is a technical director in the town of Majadahonda.”

If in Mexico don't eat the Clenbuterol...err, meat

2010-12-17T13:54:00.001+11:00

It seems Spanish meat is clean, although Contador may argue otherwise - but a reported 18% of Mexican meat is contaminated with Clenbuterol. So don't eat the meat. Seems simple enough.

OTOH Clenbuterol seems to be all the rage this year. Perhaps it should be added to drinking water as well, just so everyone is covered (and contaminated) to the same degree. Think of it like fluoridation.

Rudy Van Houts Tests Positive For Clenbuterol | Cyclingnews.com

Dutch MTBer of the year claims results came from contaminated Mexican meat

Dutch mountain biker of the year Rudy van Houts has tested positive for Clenbuterol. He returned the positive doping control immediately after returning from a trip to Mexico in late October.

“I know I am innocent,” he said in a press release issued Thursday. “In Mexico we ate a lot of meat, it is possible the Clenbuterol was in this food. Otherwise I wouldn't know how the Clenbuterol came into my body.

Retired Astarloa gets 2 years anyway. Any pro riders left in Spain?

2010-12-02T15:57:00.001+11:00

I'm wondering if there are any Spanish professionals left... OK, cheap shot - there are plenty. Astarloa was a star, though, if not as big a catch as Valverde was - or perhaps Contador will be (maybe). We'll have to wait for Contador's outcome and possible appeal.. perhaps in time for Le Tour 2011?

SBS: Cycling Central : Astarloa banned two years, fined

Spain's 2003 world road race champion Igor Astarloa has been banned from cycling for two years and fined 35,000 euros for doping, the International Cycling Union announced.

"The International Cycling Union (UCI) announces that following its request for proceedings against the Spanish rider Igor Astarloa Askasibar for a breach of the Anti-Doping Rules on the basis of his biological passport," the UCI said in a prepared statement. "The Disciplinary Commission of the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) has decided to sanction the rider by a two-year suspension from 26 November 2010 and €35.000 fine.

Interesting comments by Hinault on Contador and fairness in doping decisions

2010-11-20T10:45:00.001+11:00

Prolonging the pain in a long-drawn-out doping case isn't fair to the athlete, the sport or the public. But then again the process itself has to be fair and the outcome balanced and just - it simply takes time. Hinault also makes some good points on recent cases where the penalties applied have appeared somewhat umm, odd.

Hinault Frustrated By Delays In Contador Case | Cyclingnews.com

"Why drag the Contador case on so long? It is quite simple: yes or no," Hinault told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. "What is the point of WADA buying a steak to see whether or not it contains clenbuterol. The animal which was eaten by Contador has been dead much longer."

If found guilty of doping, Contador faces a two-year ban from competition. Regardless of the outcome of the case, Hinault called for anti-doping authorities to institute consistent bans on athletes across all sports. He cited the example of tennis player Richard Gasquet and swimmer Frederick Bousquet. Last year Gasquet's two-year ban for cocaine was reduced to two months after authorities accepted his defence that a kiss with a girl in Miami had caused his positive, while this year Bousquet was given a two-month ban after he tested positive for the banned stimulant Heptaminol.

"I hope every athlete is treated equally by WADA," said Hinault. "Richard Gasquet, the French tennis player, tests positive and gets away with it because he kissed a girl. The French world class swimmer Frederick Bousquet is positive and comes away with two months. Come on."

Aussie DMAA dopers not named until cases worked thru; believed not recreational use

2010-10-24T10:14:00.002+11:00

Delay in naming the Australian athletes believed to have tested positive to DMAA is due to the strict legal process to be followed - ie, prove the case(s) legally before a 'public trial' taints their names, perhaps unfairly. Whilst it's frustrating to not know the details, it does contrast sharply with the often criticised 'name and shame as early as possible' approach. So why raise it at all? Apparently to warn athletes that there is a possibly widespread problem with some otherwise legal supplements.

ASADA says no time-frame on outing dopers

Chief executive of ASADA Aurora Andruska said there was a strict legal process that needed to be adhered to before names were made public.

ASADA says no time-frame on outing dopers

The athletes reportedly tested positive to the banned stimulant DMAA, used in some bodybuilding and dietary supplements and in some party drugs.

However, Andruska said ASADA's information is that the positive tests are not linked to recreational drugs.

ASADA says no time-frame on outing dopers

"It's an unusual spike that we've seen just over this recent time, however what we're trying to do is get on the front foot here and let our athletes know to be very careful in taking these supplements," she said.

"This has happened before in terms of use of supplements and people inadvertently doping.

"Previously we've also provided advice, I think about 12 months ago we did a similar alert, so the main message for us is athletes need to be really careful about what they take.

"There's a strict personal liability for what the substances are that in their bodies and they just need to be really vigilant, talk to their medical team and also they can visit our website, where we've got the list of prohibited substances."

13 performance-enhanced pharmacists caught off-Guardia with illegal Clenbuterol. Is this good or bad for Alberto?

2010-10-23T08:33:00.004+11:00

I've made all of this up. Truly, I have!

Alberto: I didn't take it, why would I want to take it and it was only a tiny amount anyway. Innocent!
Those out to get Alberto: doesn't matter how much, he took it and we found plasticiser as well. And he once rode with a team of other highly successful people we distrust. And he's Spanish. Guilty!
Spanish cycling federation: stop picking on us!
Alberto: I don't like French meat so I had some Spanish meat brought in, that's where it came from. Innocent!
Possibly disgruntled Astana ex-employee: Oh yeah, he takes it all the time in microdoses to adjust his weight.
Those out to get Alberto: A-hah, told you so! And why didn't he mention the Spanish meat before, and why hasn't he proved it with receipts and tests and it doesn't matter anyway. Guilty!
Alberto: Yay, I have found the receipts. Innocent! Anyway, if you ban me I'll never race again, promise! Innocent!
Those out to get Alberto: threatening to quit proves nothing. Clenbuterol isn't used in Spanish agriculture anymore. Guilty!
Spanish Guardia Civil: Hey, we just found a gang of pharmacists, horse-trainers and one cyclist we think was selling Clenbuterol to Spanish farmers. Innocent! Hmmm, one cyclist?
Those out to get Alberto: Hey, doesn't Fuentes live in Gran Canaria? Guilty!

Truth or fiction, it's building up into a fascinating story.

34 Arrested In Spanish Clenbuterol Investigation | Cyclingnews.com

The Spanish Guardia Civil have arrested 34 people in Tenerife and Gran Canaria on suspicion of running a doping ring that has been illegally selling a clenbuterol-based product. Those arrested have been charged with fraud and crimes against public health.

Among those arrested were 13 pharmacists, eight pharmacy assistants, nine veterinarians, a cattle-breeder, a pharmaceutical salesman, a bodybuilder and a cyclist.

Arrests made in Spanish Clenbuterol investigation in Gran Canaria and Tenerife

While the cyclist who has been arrested is the sole link to the sport thus far, the story is relevant as Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has tested positive for the same substance. He claimed that he ate it in contaminated meat bought by a friend in Irun, on the French-Spanish border, and brought to the Tour.

Clenbuterol use has been banned in livestock for several years and testing in 2008 and 2009 revealed no traces of the substance. Contador must provide proof that the ingestion of the substance did indeed come from this source in order to try to escape, or reduce, sanction.

Arrests made in Spanish Clenbuterol investigation in Gran Canaria and Tenerife

Gran Canaria and Tenerife are popular training locations for professional cyclists due to the terrain and possibility of altitude training on the latter. The alleged doping doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, who was at the epicentre of the Operación Puerto doping affair, lives in Gran Canaria.

Clenbuterol - Buy Clenbuterol - Visa Paypal

Until recently, Clembuterol (sic) was ingested only by those who were aware of its functions and usage, mostly by weight lifters, bodybuilders and athletes. However, today Clenbuterol seems to be sought after by more people, most them having absolutely no idea of what it does or how they should use it or what they have to do while using Clenbuterol.

In some countries, doctors prescribe Clenbuterol to treat Asthma and some smart folks in the physical training industry stumbled upon the fact that you can burn fat faster if you ingest Clenbuterol just a little more than the prescribed dosage and sweat it out in a gym.

CAS ruling lets Vino off UCI '1yr-salary' fine. Has anyone actually paid this fine? Do they now get a refund?

2010-10-21T19:51:00.001+11:00

The UCI's over-the-top 1 year's salary plus suspension rule was arguably more for publicity than effect, and arguably the 'rider's commitment to a new cycling' document was one signed under duress, not by free will. Faced with a crippling financial loss, Vinokourov set about overturning the fine. Now I don't support doping but I do support fair penalties. This one was unfair.

Did Cristian Moreni actually pay his fine? If so, will he seek a refund? I would.

CAS Finds That UCI's Vinokourov Fine Is Not Valid | Cyclingnews.com

Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) will not have to pay a fine equivalent to his then annual salary of €1.2 million as a result of his positive test for a blood transfusion at the 2007 Tour de France. According to El Pais, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) found against the International Cycling Union (UCI) and in favour of Vinokourov at a hearing in Lausanne on August 31.

Vinokourov: Don't Call Me Stupid | Cyclingnews.com

"Do you really think I was so stupid?" he asked in Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "Everyone knows that you can easily be caught for a blood transfusion. What did I have left to win in the Tour to take such a risk? After my crash I had already lost my high GC ranking."

Doper Kohl takes stand on what is impossible - 40kmh av for 3,000km - but what then is possible? 39.5?

2010-10-06T13:42:00.001+11:00

Apart from the obvious: that by slowing down a tad it surely is possible to win a Grand Tour without "help", Kohl makes some good points about what is impossible. For him, anyway. And definitely for me. No amount of "help" would get me over those mountains inside of the time limit. Actually I'd get dropped in the first neutral zone, but let's not dwell upon me.

Kohl: Not Possible To Win Tour De France Without Doping | Cyclingnews.com

While Kohl wouldn't directly speculate on whether Alberto Contador had used doping products or methods, he noted that the average speeds ridden at the Tour might cause one to think so.

"Floyd Landis won the Tour de France and his average speed was 40 kph," Kohl said. "This year it was Contador and it was also about 40. It was nearly the same average speed. Landis was doped. Maybe in 10 or 15 years, you can win (without drugs) if we work with the anti-doping movement."

Kohl described his personal doping schedule, and how it enabled him to pass multiple doping tests.

“I was tested 200 times during my career, and 100 times I had drugs in my body,” he said, according to the New York Times. “I was caught, but 99 other times, I wasn’t.

If true, so what? Don't we all eat plastic (usually by accident)? Contador questions mount up

2010-10-06T11:21:00.001+11:00

Give the guy a break. He's definitely a great rider, be he a proven drug "cheat" or not. I can remember former US Postal (or was it Disco, I can't remember) Matt White reporting many, many years ago that Alberto C. had displayed explosive acceleration in the mountains during training camps. Acceleration that no-one, not even Armstrong, could match. And despite a serious medical setback he has lived up to these stellar expectations, and exceeded them. Alas, such achievements bring doubts as well as fame. Winning the Giro "off the beach" after limited or no preparation was a worry; either he was playing games with the media or he was - and is - a freak. Winning GTs seemingly at will? Well, after a lot of effort - again, a freakish talent, even if one Schleck was able to get close (not to mention one Evans not so long ago).

And let's be clear: these latest accusations are unproven. Plasticisers in the blood - if true - may indicate nothing more than a modern life style. We all digest plastic incidentally with our food, although the "normal" level of plasticiser detectable in our blood is moot. So once again there's a question (or 2, or 3) to be answered.

Plasticisers In Contador’s Urine Could Indicate Blood Transfusion | Cyclingnews.com

Alberto Contador returned a positive test for the so-called “plasticisers” in his urine the day before his positive control for Clenbuterol, according to the New York Times. The newspaper also says that the results could indicate that he had had a blood transfusion, which is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Alberto Contador Tests Positive For Clenbuterol | Cyclingnews.com

Contador won the Tour de France for a third time in July, beating Andy Schleck by 39 seconds.

The doping control in question was carried on July 21 during the second rest of the Tour in Pau, in the Pyrenees. The day after, Contador set up overall victory by finishing in the same time as Schleck at the summit of the Col du Tourmalet.

A message issued by Contador's personal press officer said Contador had been a victim of food contamination

Lemond Shocked By Contador Positive | Cyclingnews.com

“I find it hard to believe that a professional like Alberto Contador would risk a detectable drug and I can’t believe how many people have left a certain team and then gone positive,” LeMond told Cyclingnews after hearing the news.

Contador was tested several times during this year’s Tour de France but traces of clenbuterol were found in a sample from July 21, the second rest day of the race. The UCI stated that the amount of was 400 times less than the minimum amount World Anti-Doping Agency accredited labs must be able to detect.

Millar Calls For Calm In Contador Case | Cyclingnews.com

It was announced that the three-time Tour champion tested positive for clenbuterol in an almost-undetectable microdose of 50 picograms/millilitre, which is apparently 400 times less than the required limit of detection.

Speaking after taking silver in the elite men's world championship time trial, Millar called for understanding and patience from the media, fans and the administration. "Let's wait until all the information is out and give him the benefit of the doubt," said the British rider. "I think he's a fantastic athlete and a great human being. I think there's a very strong chance this is being blown out of proportion.

Contador sample may suggest blood doping

A urine sample taken from three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador showed abnormally high levels of plastic residues that could indicate he received a transfusion of his own blood during this year's race, a person with knowledge of the test results told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Contador sample may suggest blood doping

Contador's abnormal sample showed eight times the normal amount of the plasticiser, the person said.

The UCI said the clenbuterol was detected on July 21, the Tour's final rest day. The plastic residue was found in another test carried out on July 20, according to the source.

Contador sample may suggest blood doping

"There is not even the remotest possibility of speaking of blood manipulation because Alberto has not done anything illegal, neither in the Tour or ever," he told Cadena Ser radio on Tuesday. "We have absolutely nothing to hide."

Contador says he may quit if banned

"If this is not resolved favourably and in just fashion then I would have to consider whether I would ever get back on a bike," Contador told Spanish broadcaster Telecinco as he fights off after a positive test for clenbuterol, a banned substance, during this year's Tour.

Contador has been provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI) after he announced his positive test on Friday - but he insists he is the victim of contaminated food, saying he ate some contaminated meat brought in from Spain
Contador says he may quit if banned
October 4, 2010

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador says he may quit cycling if he is banned for doping.

"If this is not resolved favourably and in just fashion then I would have to consider whether I would ever get back on a bike," Contador told Spanish broadcaster Telecinco as he fights off after a positive test for clenbuterol, a banned substance, during this year's Tour.

Contador has been provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI) after he announced his positive test on Friday - but he insists he is the victim of contaminated food, saying he ate some contaminated meat brought in from Spain.

Even so, Contador, who tested positive for a minute quantity of the substance on July 21, professed himself in his interview broadcast on Saturday night to be "very optimistic" that he would be absolved.

"I think this will all be resolved in a favourable manner," the three-times champion insisted.

PezCycling News - What's Cool In Pro Cycling

So the amount is now 40 times and not 400 times but whatever the amount is, Contador must try and prove that he didn't ingest the substance knowingly. The Triple Tour de France winner has insisted that he is not guilty of doping and has even stated that he is willing to cut both his hands off to proove it! I'm not sure exactly what that would proove Bert but it certainly would provide a few more blood samples to test anyway!

UCI boss excludes Contador (for now) from anti-Spanish doper comment; SMH dobs him in anyway

2010-10-03T09:05:00.001+11:00

Love the Sydney Morning Herald. McQuaid specifically excludes Contador from his comments, which target other Spanish riders who have been in the doping frame lately, yet the Herald still runs Contador's photo on the front cover of the online edition with a direct link to the article. Just join the dots I guess.

I don't think Contador needed to take clenbutorol - there are better ways to dope, after all - and the amount found was, as I said earlier, almost homeopathically small. Now it could still be a sign of blood doping, but equally it could be totally innocent. Whilst i don't particularly like the guy I still think we should be fair and just in this tar-and-feathering process.

Spain 'must wake up to problem'

Spain 'must wake up to problem'
Rupert Guinness
October 3, 2010

THE Spanish government has failed to do enough in the fight against drugs in sport, claims Union Cycliste International president Pat McQuaid.

His accusation follows the provisional suspension of Spain's former triple world cross country mountain bike champion Margarita Fullana for testing positive to erythropoietin [EPO] in an out of competition test on August 30. She still has the right to request and attend the analysis of her B sample.

Her positive test makes her the fourth Spanish cyclist to revealed for failing a drugs test in the past three days. The other three Spaniards are the recent Vuelta a Espana runner-up Ezequiel Mosquera and another strong Vuelta performer and Xacobeo Galicia teammate David Garcia Da Pena, who failed tests taken during the Spanish tour, and Oscar Sevilla who tested positive for hydroxyethyl [HES] at the Vuelta a Columbia on August 15.

Hard to imagine Contador NOT getting off this almost-homeopathic doping charge.

2010-09-30T17:43:00.000+10:00

Yep, he's positive to Clenbuterol - but the "dose" is sooo tiny that it couldn't possibly have any useful effect... unless this asthma medication has some previously unknown/un-noted masking or multiplier effect, of course - I'd say he'll get off. We'll see what happens next.

PezCycling News - What's Cool In Pro Cycling

An independent expert opinion from Dr. Douwe de Boer of The Netherlands (attached) and the facts of the situation point to Alberto accidentally ingesting Clenbuterol by eating contaminated meat. The trace amounts and timing of detection also show that Alberto could never have received a performance enhancement of Clenbuterol.

Following is a condensed version of Dr. Douwe de Boer’s expert opinion:
Alberto Contador underwent sport drug testing during many days of the 2010 Tour de France, including July 19, 20, 21, and 22.

No Clenbuterol was detected in any of the tests prior to July 21.

An extremely low trace concentration of Clenbuterol was found in the urine sample taken on July 21; the concentration found in the urine sample taken on July 22 was even lower.

The half-life of Clenbuterol is 25-39 hours.

These facts show that Clenbuterol was ingested after the urine testing on July 20 in an amount that could have never enhanced his performance.

There are numerous documented cases of humans ingesting Clenbuterol accidentally by eating meat from animals that have been fed the substance to stimulate growth.

A general doping wrap up in case you blinked. 187 athletes all up, apparently

2010-09-19T09:05:00.001+10:00

187 athletes in the frame? That could be big; it's certainly been a substantial business for a few people up to now. There are some hints at another US racer to be "outed" soon, too. What with Landis coming to Oz and Armstrong being Armstrong it all looks set for a few more months of intrigue. Will the truth out, as Floyd hopes? I doubt it.

Papp Confirms Additional Doping Investigations Underway | Cyclingnews.com

Joe Papp confirmed to Cyclingnews that the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is investigating possible doping violations stemming from sales of EPO and HGH that he facilitated on behalf of the Shandong Kexing Bioproducts company.

Purchases of the illegal performance-enhancing drugs were made by up to 187 international athletes from a variety of sports, including cycling, from September 2006 to September 2007.

Papp Confirms Additional Doping Investigations Underway | Cyclingnews.com

Yesterday, Cyclingnews confirmed that USADA had given a two-year suspension to Jonathan Chodroff, who bought EPO through Papp in the spring of 2007 - though at the time he was unaware that it was his compatriot who was facilitating the transaction.

"I have nothing but praise for Jonathan Chodroff's decision to accept responsibility for his actions," said Papp. "He made a mistake - albeit a costly one - but unlike at least one of his colleagues in the US pro peloton, Jonathan stood up and took it like a man."

Landis Explains Why He Will Attend Australian Cycling Conference | Cyclingnews.com

On Friday the organizing committee of the world championships withdrew its support for the conference in Geelong. Media director David Culbert told the Herald Sun newspaper: “Providing Floyd Landis with a soapbox to deliver a tirade like he did on the eve of the Tour of California is not something the world championship organisers want."

Landis has replied by explaining how he wishes to be a catalyst for change so that other riders can learn from his mistakes and won't have to face the same consequences.

"The conclusions reached and the learning taken away by me during that time (of the ban for doping) are now moving me to correct, to the extent possible, the effect of those decisions on others and to speak out in a manner so that today’s young and future professional and amateur athletes can learn from my choices and, hopefully, avoid the same painful consequences which I have suffered and which I continue to suffer today. In other words, like Deakin University, I too want to be a catalyst for positive change," Landis writes in the statement.

Kiwi Stewart banned 2 years for 'attempted' EPO/hCG use, Sentjens A-sample +ve for EPO

2010-09-09T13:38:00.001+10:00

Goodbye Adam Stewart and hello Roy Sentjens. Stewart didn't even get to try his EPO and hCG (allegedly) whereas Roy was (also allegedly) a user of EPO.

Now the hCG is interesting - as it more often used to alleviate the side-effects of anabolic steroid abuse. Alternatively (possibly) it may have a blood-boosting or EPO-masking property that I was previously unaware of...

Attempted Substance Use Sees Kiwi Dumped From National Squad | Cyclingnews.com

Adam Stewart has been axed from BikeNZ’s Commonwealth Games squad after being handed a two-year ban for attempting to use prohibited substances. New Zealand’s Sports Tribunal handed down the sentence for Stewart’s attempt to use erythropoietin (EPO) and for possession of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Sentjens Positive For EPO | Cyclingnews.com

Roy Sentjens of Team Milram tested positive for EPO at an out of competition doping control last month, it was announced Wednesday night. Sentjens was removed from the Vuelta a España and provisionally suspended from racing.

Human chorionic gonadotropin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Human chorionic gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced in pregnancy that is made by the developing embryo after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast (part of the placenta).[1] Its role is to prevent the disintegration of the corpus luteum of the ovary and thereby maintain progesterone production that is critical for a pregnancy in humans. hCG may have additional functions; for instance, it is thought that hCG affects the immune tolerance of the pregnancy. Early pregnancy testing, in general, is based on the detection or measurement of hCG. Because hCG is produced also by some kinds of tumor, hCG is an important tumor marker especially (with clinical significance) in Gestational trophoblastic disease,[2] but it is not known whether this production is a contributing cause or an effect of tumorigenesis.

Human chorionic gonadotropin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In the world of performance enhancing drugs, hCG is increasingly used in combination with various anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) cycles. As a result, hCG is included in some sports' illegal drug lists.

When AAS are put into a male body, the body's natural negative-feedback loops cause the body to shut down its own production of testosterone via shutdown of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA). This causes testicular atrophy, among other things. hCG is commonly used during and after steroid cycles to maintain and restore testicular size as well as normal testosterone production.[19]

High levels of AASs, that mimic the body's natural testosterone, trigger the hypothalamus to shut down its production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Without GnRH, the pituitary gland stops releasing luteinizing hormone (LH). LH normally travels from the pituitary via the blood stream to the testes, where it triggers the production and release of testosterone. Without LH, the testes shut down their production of testosterone.[20] In males, hCG helps restore and maintain testosterone production in the testes by mimicking LH and triggering the production and release of testosterone.

WSJ reports Landis has filed a lawsuit as "whistleblower". Now it really looks like he's after the money

2010-09-05T13:14:00.001+10:00

Rightly or wrongly, now Landis looks just like the money-seeker Armstrong alleges. OTOH what other options does he have?

Landis Files Whistle-blower Lawsuit | Cyclingnews.com

Both Landis and the U.S. Justice Department declined to comment on the lawsuit when approached by the Wall Street Journal, while a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service stated: “Since this matter is under review by the Department of Justice, the Postal Service will have nothing to say until this review is completed.”

Meanwhile, speaking to the Wall Street Journal, a spokesman for former U.S. Postal Service rider Lance Armstrong was critical of Landis’ lawsuit. “What remains a mystery is why the government would devote a penny of the taxpayer’s money to help Floyd Landis,” he said. “This news that Floyd Landis is in this for the money confirms everything we all knew about Landis.”

Armstrong’s spokesman also confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that Armstrong’s lawyers had recently met with federal prosecutors from Novitzsky’s investigation in Los Angeles.

Landis files 'whistle-blower' lawsuit - VeloNews

Floyd Landis, former teammate of Lance Armstrong, has filed a federal “whistle-blower” lawsuit, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Citing anonymous sources, the newspaper reported that Landis filed a suit under the U.S. federal False Claims Act, which allows Americans to sue on behalf of the government alleging the government has been defrauded.

According to the Journal, the lawsuit is currently sealed so its exact contents are not known.

But in the article posted on its website the newspaper noted that Landis and Armstrong were teammates on the squad sponsored by the US Postal Service, an independent government whose funds are considered to be public.

Rossi's B-sample negative for "minimum levels" of CERA. Where does that leave us?

2010-08-31T16:54:00.001+10:00

It may be a translation problem but by my reading of this report we can say that there was either no CERA or some CERA detected in the B-sample but that whatever was found - if anything - it was below the minimum level set. Do you get that? My personal take on it is that there was no CERA found, or that the evidence is just a trace and so unreliable that the benefit of the doubt must go to the athlete (who has denied everything, of course).

Rossi's B Sample Negative For CERA | Cyclingnews.com

The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) announced that the examination of Italian cyclo-cross rider Vania Rossi's B sample has returned a negative result for EPO-CERA.

Doper Kohl dobs on manager Matschiner, but doses were "minimal". So why bother?

2010-08-13T13:04:00.001+10:00

Another career lost that could have been spectacular... and according to Matschiner the doses were "mimimal". Presumably it worked, but by how much were performances enhanced? Why not just give placebos and be done with it?

Kohl Testifies Against Former Manager | Cyclingnews.com

Former pro rider Bernhard Kohl testified against his manager Stefan Matschiner on the first day of his trial in front of the Vienna criminal court today. Matschiner was released from custody in May after being accused of having provided performance-enhancing substances and methods - blood doping - to his clients.

Earlier in the day Matschiner admitted having given eight of his athletes EPO, testosterone and growth hormone, but he denied being guilty of supplying blood transfusions - having simply taken the blood doping equipment to Slovenia and Hungary in 2008 - before this kind of practice became illegal in Austria.

Jonker saw no doping at US Postal in 2000, trusts Armstrong's view

2010-08-12T09:56:00.001+10:00

Not seeing something doesn't mean it didn't happen, just that you didn't see it. OTOH having been in the team and known Armstrong very well for many years, Pat Jonker's view holds some weight, too. Will the truth ever be told? And will we believe it anyway?

Jonker Speaks Out In Defence Of Armstrong | Cyclingnews.com

Former US Postal Service rider Patrick Jonker has come out strongly in defence of his former leader Lance Armstrong. Speaking with FoxSports.com.au, the Australian claimed that he had never seen any evidence to suggest that Armstrong had doped.

“I didn’t see anything. If I was subpoenaed to go to court and put my hand on the Bible, I’d go,” Jonker said. “This is not a game, it’s very serious.”

When the 'un-American' card is used you know something is brewing.

2010-08-08T14:48:00.001+10:00

FloydGate is getting interesting - or more interesting. Armstrong's lawyer is now - seemingly - suggesting that testimony under oath may be recanted due to 'sweetheart deals' - presumably he means bribery. That's a big statement and a very strong suggestion by Mr Daly. Over-reaction, misunderstanding or threat? Take your pick. Not that he's prone to overstatement at all.

Armstrong Lawyer Condemns "un-American" Investigation | Cyclingnews.com

“We understand that riders may be being offered sweetheart deals to change testimony that they have given in the past, under oath,” Daly said. “The power of the federal government is being abused to pursue dated and discredited allegations, and that’s flat-out wrong, unethical, un-American, and a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Dopage du Jour

A former US Postal Service team rider has spoken to federal investigators regarding doping practices in the squad, according to the New York Times. The unnamed rider admitted his own performance-enhancing drug use and alleged that systematic doping had taken place in the American squad when questioned by Jeff Novitzky’s investigative team.

Dopage du Jour

I have no firm view on Mr Armstrong's involvement in doping practices but I will take issue with his attorney: "He's gifted physically in ways that are very unique...". OK, so what "gifts" are these? It's a lame comment to make since (a) we are all unique, that's how human genetics works unless he's a clone or an absolutely identical twin - and even then there are differences. And (b) if he has these gifts then let's see 'em - prove it. if we can prove he has natural physical gifts of a higher order than any other tour rider then we have an explanation for 7 consecutive Tour wins and can layoff the search for 'extraterrestrial' gifts. Otherwise it's lame.

Oh dear, more bad news. WADA distrust of UCI grows, decides to take more direct oversight of test results

2010-08-07T15:12:00.001+10:00

What a situation the governing body is fiinding itself in... they apparently have 5 riders identified by the biological passport panel of experts - and they just sit on it. Doesn't mean we won't do something, we just haven't done it yet, they say. Even though months are ticking by. Now we may imagine all sorts of reasons to wait and process these things but few of them stack up. Except for the worst sort of reasons, of course. UCI, please explain?

Anti-Doping Officials Step Up Cycling Oversight - WSJ.com

A person familiar with the situation said that WADA has received complaints in recent months from several individuals and representatives of antidoping organizations who have raised concerns about the UCI's oversight.

This person said antidoping officials are particularly concerned about the status of five professional riders who were flagged for doping in December but have not yet been sanctioned by the UCI. The riders, whose names are known only to the UCI, were determined to be doping by an independent committee of nine scientists and experts that was appointed by the UCI to review data from blood and urine tests.

The person said at least two members of the panel have voiced concerns that the UCI may be disregarding these positive tests or shielding guilty riders from punishment.

Pat McQuaid, president of the UCI, said the UCI has complied with all of the guidelines set by WADA for the Passport program and was unaware of any complaints about the UCI's handling of the drug testing program. "I contest that there is a lack of effort to catch drug cheats," he said.

Holczer on being caught in a financial bind with Leipheimer, and unnamed FloydGate rider's admission

2010-08-06T11:19:00.001+10:00

Interesting to see in print what was going through a team owner's mind as his riders fell under suspicion. And of course FloydGate continues...

Holczer Accuses Leipheimer Of Blood Manipulation | Cyclingnews.com

Former Gerolsteiner team manager Hans-Michael Holczer has claimed that Levi Leipheimer's blood values during the 2005 Tour de France “showed a very high probability of manipulation,” the German press agency SID has reported.

Holczer made the accusation during the presentation of his book called “Garantiert Positiv” (“Guaranteed Positive”) in Germany on Wednesday.

He claimed that the UCI informed him on the first rest day of the 2005 Tour de France in Grenoble that Leipheimer's blood values had an off-score co-efficient of 132.8. That is just 0.2 under the limit of 133. A normal score is 85-95 and scores over 133 can be considered evidence of doping.

US Postal Investigation Gathers Pace | Cyclingnews.com

A former US Postal Service team rider has spoken to federal investigators regarding doping practices in the squad, according to the New York Times. The unnamed rider admitted his own performance-enhancing drug use and alleged that systematic doping had taken place in the American squad when questioned by Jeff Novitzky’s investigative team.

A+B=C for Clenbuterol. RadioShack rider Li Fuyu positive

2010-08-04T10:58:00.001+10:00

It's easy enough to imagine a scenario when Li Fuyu or any rider could 'unknowingly' take some Clenbuterol, however it's no excuse. It's linked with weight loss as well as bronchdilation, 2 things that may improve an athlete's performance. I remember racing in the '80s when the asthma "puffer" become somewhat unusually common among the roadies, as were a few other quasi-legal pills and potions (like caffeine pills). It seemed a fairly harmless pre-race ritual at the time (although possibly it did cause some side-effect related damage) and more of a placebo than anything else, but it's also (arguably) the thin end of a doping wedge.

RadioShack’s Li Fuyu Positive Test Confirmed | Cyclingnews.com

The Chinese Cycling Association has confirmed that RadioShack rider Li Fuyu has failed a dope test after his B sample also showed traces of the banned substance Clenbuterol.

Fuyu was provisionally suspended by the UCI and the RadioShack team on April 22 after his A sample resulted positive for Clenbuterol. The test was carried out after the Dwars Door Vlaanderen race in Belgium on March 24. Fuyu finished 122nd in the race, more than nine minutes behind Matt Breschel (Saxo Bank).

Clenbuterol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Clenbuterol (Spirovent, Ventipulmin) is a sympathomimetic amine used by sufferers of breathing disorders as a decongestant and bronchodilator. People with chronic breathing disorders such as asthma use this as a bronchodilator to make breathing easier. It is most commonly available as the hydrochloride salt clenbuterol hydrochloride.

Valjavec cleared, Rebellin rejected

2010-07-31T08:34:00.000+10:00

Fairness and transparency tip towards Valjavec but Rebellin's case falls flat. Of course every case is different and we can only trust that due process was followed to the letter. Importantly, the distinction here is that in Valjavec's case we are looking at variances in specific blood values over time, not doping products as such; whereas in Rebellin's case CERA was positively identified. Rebiellin was also the higher profile rider - and whilst you'd hope that it wouldn't matter there is also the feeling that his immediately preceding wins (of which there are several) are now tainted. So our sense of justice is argulably served - somewhat - by Rebellin's penalty.

Valjavec Cleared By Slovenian Anti-doping Agency | Cyclingnews.com

Slovenian rider Tadej Valjavec has been cleared by his national anti-doping agency. The AG2R rider, currently suspended by his team, had been accused of blood doping within the framework of the UCI's Biological Passport in early May this year, with the questionable values dating back to 2009.

However, according to Slovenian website siol.net, the disciplinary board of the Slovenian NAK ruled on Thursday, July 29, that there was not enough evidence to open disciplinary proceedings against Valjavec. The panel even criticised the application of the Biological Passport in the case, saying that it failed to take into account all the factors that could explain Valjavec's blood values naturally. Moreover, it found that some of the tests were not carried out in accordance with the technical documents affecting the test results.

CAS Rejects Rebellin's Appeal | Cyclingnews.com

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed the doping case appeal filed by the Italian cyclist Davide Rebellin against the decision of the Executive Committee of International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday. The IOC had disqualified Rebellin from the 2008 Olympic Games and withdrew his silver medal, and with this ruling CAS upheld the decision.

In a Staite of bother. Brit cyclist gets 2 years off for EPO

2010-07-29T22:33:00.001+10:00

At least the Brits don't go to the media at the first sniff of a positive. It's all much more restrained and respectful. If only such was always the case.

British Cyclist Dan Staite Suspended For Two Years | Cyclingnews.com

Dan Staite, a British cyclist, formerly of the Cycles Dauphin Racing Team, has been banned for two years after testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO) and an aromatase inhibitor, both of which are illegal under World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

Staite's positive came about after he was tested at the Roy Thame Cup on 13 March, 2010. Rumours of his positive test started circulating months ago. But unlike many national federations, British Cycling and UK Anti-Doping don't announce positives until the disciplinary process is complete.

A year on, retired former Saunier Duval rider Lobato Elvira gets 2 years for bio passport infringement

2010-07-28T08:32:00.001+10:00

Not that it matters - he was without a ride then and is a DS now - but it has taken a while to process. OTOH as a DS working with young riders you'd hope he'd be instilling good, clean-riding values. You'd hope.

Lobato Elvira Suspended For Two Years | Cyclingnews.com

The International Cycling Union has announced that Spanish rider Ruben Lobato Elvira has been suspended by the Spanish Cycling Federation for two years because of a violation of the UCI’s biological Passport programme.

UCI Names First Five Biological Passport Violators | Cyclingnews.com

Also named were former world champion Igor Astarloa, former Saunier Duval rider Ruben Lobato Elvira, who is without a team for this season, and Italian Francesco De Bonis (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli).

LeMond is cautiously optimistic over TdF power data

2010-07-27T17:19:00.001+10:00

Caution is needed but the proposition is that tiredness and fatigue have re-appeared in this year's Tour, as has "believability", if you like. Be careful, though, as the tactics have also changed - once we used to see star climbers go out alone or in small bunches on a long break, taking minutes out of the field and expecting to lose some of them later; then we got used to seeing the "time trial" method of dieseling up the mountains a la Indurain and Ullrich; and more recently a train of domestique climbers "launching" the star rider onto a climb; whereas now we are seeing a stranger - perhaps more "believable" - mixture of these techniques, making direct comparison less reliable.

Data Of Optimism? | Cyclingnews.com

When I read what their data indicates, I get hopeful that there has been a big effort to change the old habits of the past. This does not mean that the Tour is 100% clean but it does hint that things are possibly changing for the better.

I think that when you see levels of 5.8 or 5.9 watts per kilo for over 20 minutes, it is believable and falls into historical norms. It depends on the VO2 Max, of course, but I believe that a rider like Contador has a lot of talent and is therefore capable of that.

After reading their article, all I could think of was why doesn't the sport embrace scientists like these two to help figure out a better way to control the doping that has destroyed the integrity of cycling? I am a big believer in science and in the end it is the science that will stand the test of time.

The sportsscientists.com guys were saying that in the 90s and early 2000s, most of the climbs were done at 6.2, 6.3 and even up to 6.7 watts per kilo; this is a sign of blood doping.

The Science of Sport

Of particular interest given the debate before the Tour, is that not a single longer climb hit the power outputs that we've become accustomed to seeing in '90s and 2000s. Nor have they hit what we debated pre-Tour as the "suspect" power values of greater than 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 W/kg.

And while the 6.2 W/kg number got a lot of people riled, I really think it's telling that the very best climbers, with the highest level of motivation (on the Tourmalet) failed to hit those power outputs.

LeMond explains a few things, Dr Ferrari replies and Bruyneel explains

2010-07-27T15:21:00.001+10:00

Well believe what you will because no-one's owning up yet - aside from Floyd Landis (if you can believe him, I mean).

Greg LeMond said a few things that he clearly believes are true, things he has stated before. He has never come to terms with other, lesser riders suddenly out-riding him and simply believes they were juiced. Which is probably a well regarded and highly shared opinion, true or not. As well he distrusts Dr Ferrari and points to him as a bad influence. However Dr Ferrari replies that he was cleared in a court of law and refutes these allegations. If a rider wants to cheat they should go elsewhere, he says.

Plus, Bruyneel has made a comment about the accusation made by Landis that US Postal team bikes were sold for drug money. He admits they were sold but definitely not for dope. So that's cleared that up then, eh?

Bravo To The New Generation | Cyclingnews.com

LeMond: When I made my now often repeated statement about Lance Armstrong and his long term relationship with Dr. Ferrari in 2001, I tried to keep it as short and to the point as possible. I was very disappointed to learn that he was a patient of Dr. Ferrari. Long before this relationship was revealed by David Walsh in 2001 I had made comments about the entrance of specialists like Dr. Ferrari and others into the sport of cycling. I was hearing stories back as early as 1993 about Dr. Ferrari and his client list of pro cyclists.

It was said that Dr. Ferrari was getting around 15-20% of a riders salary for preparing their doping programs. Because of this information we often joked that Dr. Ferrari was the best paid rider in the peloton.

Open Letter From Dr. Michele Ferrari | Cyclingnews.com

- I have never coached more than twenty professional cyclists at the same time. In recent years, less than half of that.

- It is not true that the athletes paid for my services with a percentage of their salary: it is a false legend, originated from the so-called "Dossier Donati".

Open Letter From Dr. Michele Ferrari | Cyclingnews.com

It is probably from this dossier that Greg Lemond drew the “rumours” and quotes the numerous “it was saids” in his letter.

But what Greg does not know, or pretends not to know, is that one of such “confidants” actually clearly mentions his name and that of his doctor in relation to doping events.

- It is absolutely false that cyclists contacted me for doping programs: some came to me at first with such request, but never came back twice.

Bruyneel Acknowledges That Discovery Bikes Were Sold On EBay | Cyclingnews.com

Johan Bruyneel has confirmed that one of his past teams sold bikes, but said it was after Discovery Channel had ended its sponsorship in 2007, and that he had “no idea” where the money had gone.

Floyd Landis had claimed recently that the US Postal team sold bikes to help fund the team's doping programme. He said that some 60 bikes were not accounted for, and that they had been sold for cash.

"What Floyd is saying is that 60 bikes were missing," Bruyneel said to the AP. "I have absolutely no idea where he got that from."

But wait, there's more. OK, same old same old from Landis. Still, it's on the news again...

2010-07-24T11:00:00.001+10:00

I have no firm view on Mr Armstrong's involvement in doping practices but I will take issue with his attorney: "He's gifted physically in ways that are very unique...". OK, so what "gifts" are these? It's a lame comment to make since (a) we are all unique, that's how human genetics works unless he's a clone or an absolutely identical twin - and even then there are differences. And (b) if he has these gifts then let's see 'em - prove it. if we can prove he has natural physical gifts of a higher order than any other tour rider then we have an explanation for 7 consecutive Tour wins and can layoff the search for 'extraterrestrial' gifts. Otherwise it's lame.

Of course likely as not he's only as physically gifted as the next elite-level highly trained 3 week stage racer. But he may well have exploited organisational, team or mental "gifts" better than the next guy. Otherwise, it's lame.

Floyd Landis Nightline Interview - ABC News

"Well, it depends on what your definition of fraud is," Landis said. "I mean it -- look -- if he didn't win the Tour, someone else that was doped would have won the Tour. In every single one of those Tours."

An attorney for Armstrong, Tim Herman, adamantly denied Landis' allegations against Armstrong. He went on to say that Armstrong has undergone around 300 separate competition drug tests and never tested positive.

"I know [Armstrong] to be an athlete that comes along once every couple of generations," Herman said. "He is extremely focused. He's gifted physically in ways that are very unique and he is disciplined, dedicated. He's the hardest working athlete I've ever been around. But he's also extremely devoted and committed to his cancer work. ...

"Landis is a confessed perjurer and he is a liar, and I think, as Lance said ... when you taste milk to see if it's sour, you take a first taste and you don't have to drink the whole carton to know it's all sour."

What Alessandro Petacchi has to say about the latest accusations

2010-07-20T22:59:00.001+10:00

Live Report Tour de France - Stage 16 | Cyclingnews.com

The Lampre man had this to say on the matter at the start this morning.

"It’s not my stuff. It wasn’t found at my house. I don’t know why I’m being accused of using. If it was found at my house I wouldn’t have started today or the Tour.

On the 28th of July I’m going to see the judge who has asked me to explain things. I don’t know what he wants to ask me. I’m sorry about it all. I’m just here to do my job.

I hope I’m not sent home. I’ve suffered a lot, won two stages and fought for the green jersey. I’m sorry for my team and my teammates. I’m just trying to do my job but there always seems to be something. I want to finish the Tour de France and I cant let it get to me. I’m old enough to be able to separate the two things and carry on racing."

Dopage du Jour

There is nothing to say he's done anything wrong, yet - just that he's suspected and is under investigation... but that alone is enough to see you suspended "pending" investigation. But will Lampre suspend their green jersey holder mid-Tour?

Petacchi Under Investigation In Italy | Cyclingnews.com

Petacchi is accused of having used PFC (Perfluorocarbon) and human serum albumin. PFC can be used to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood without raising haematocrit level. Its use in the peloton was first rumoured in 1997 as an alternative to EPO, when the UCI introduced “health checks” preventing riders with haematocrit levels in excess of 50% from competing. PFC is as yet undetectable. Human albumin, on the other hand, can be used to reduce haematocrit level.

Will green jersey holder Petacchi turn a darker green if Lampre suspends him?

2010-07-20T22:49:00.001+10:00

There is nothing to say he's done anything wrong, yet - just that he's suspected and is under investigation... but that alone is enough to see you suspended "pending" investigation. But will Lampre suspend their green jersey holder mid-Tour?

Petacchi Under Investigation In Italy | Cyclingnews.com

Petacchi is accused of having used PFC (Perfluorocarbon) and human serum albumin. PFC can be used to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood without raising haematocrit level. Its use in the peloton was first rumoured in 1997 as an alternative to EPO, when the UCI introduced “health checks” preventing riders with haematocrit levels in excess of 50% from competing. PFC is as yet undetectable. Human albumin, on the other hand, can be used to reduce haematocrit level.

Ouch. Seems Mr Armstrong has forgotten he once claimed to own 10% of Tailwind

2010-07-15T11:03:00.001+10:00

I'm not sure I'd call it crucial evidence but it's surprising that Lance has forgotten even a 10 - perhaps 11.5% investment in Tailwind Sports. It's probably chickenfeed, especially 5 years on. But to forget it? Or try to hide it? Why? Of course the let-out clause here is that the transaction may have been delayed until 2007, so what Lance thought had happened by 2005 actually only completed a couple of years later, if it completed at all. There's some doubt here.

What may matter more down the line is if corroborated evidence comes to light that Tailwind was coordinating the alleged institutionalised doping within the US Postal team. At which point - a point we are nowhere near by the way - Lance may be seen as sharing in the profits of an illicit activity and thus in some way sharing responsibility beyond that of a mere bike-riding employee. As I say, that's a long bow to draw and there's no evidence of institutionalised doping at US Postal other than the statements by Landis and speculation by others. All smoke, no fire at this stage.

Cycling Bloggers Scour Armstrong’s 2005 Testimony - The Lede Blog - NYTimes.com

In Mr. Armstrong’s answers to questions in the deposition from Jeff Tillotson, a lawyer representing the firm that initially withheld the bonus, he said he was not sure how much of the company he owned, but added that his agent, Bill Stapleton, would know.

Q. Can you tell us what your relationship, first, your business relationship with Tailwind Sports is?
A. I’m an athlete on the team.
Q. Do you have any ownership interest in Tailwind Sports?
A. A small one.
Q. When you say a small one, can you give me an approximate percentage as to what that would be, if you know?
A. Perhaps 10 percent.
Q. Do you know when you acquired that ownership interest?
A. No. I don’t remember.
Q. Would it have been in 2005, or before that?
A. I don’t remember.
Q. Do you have any — is there — do you have any recollection as to when it would have been? ’02? ’03? ’04?
A. Before today.
Q. OK. Would it have been before 2001?
A. Probably not, but I’m not a hundred percent sure.
Q. Who would know the answer to that question as to when you acquired an ownership interest in Tailwind?
A. Bill Stapleton.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bonnie D. Ford of ESPN reported:

In a separate deposition taken in September 2005, Stapleton, also questioned by Tillotson, said Armstrong was among “10 or 15″ owners of Tailwind. Stapleton said he thought the cyclist controlled 11.5 percent of the company.

Cycling Bloggers Scour Armstrong’s 2005 Testimony - The Lede Blog - NYTimes.com

Asked by Mr. Tillotson, “Did Mr. Armstrong acquire his ownership interest in Tailwind prior to the 2004 Tour de France”? Mr. Stapleton said, “I don’t think he did. Our contract with the — with the — with Tailwind and Lance’s involvement, it was certainly intended by the summer of 2004. I don’t think it was executed.”

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Armstrong’s personal lawyer, Tim Herman, said that the confusion was caused by the fact that the company that owned the team, Tailwind, had decided to give Mr. Armstrong stock in 2004 but did not actually do so until 2007.

Roundup of progress on Floydgate witchhunt - no witches found yet

2010-07-15T09:20:00.001+10:00

Or some smoke but no fire - yet. Interesting that it's being taken seriously, interesting also that the UCI "leadership" continues to look emotional and a little too close to the action. Not in a good way either, I mean. You'd think taking a step back and keeping some perspective would be a good idea.

Verbruggen Labels Landis A Nuisance | Cyclingnews.com

In e-mails leaked to Cyclingnews, Verbruggen labels Floyd Landis as "a nuisance" and suggested that he succeeded so well in the role that he should get a "yellow jersey" for his efforts.

Verbuggen initiated the exchange with Landis by forwarding a link to an article written by John Leicester of the Associated Press. The story detailed the feelings of vindication shared by the employees of the Chatenay-Malabry laboratory, which Landis had accused of sloppy work and dishonesty, after the American admitted in May that he had doped during his career.

Grand Jury Subpoenas Issued In Landis Investigation | Cyclingnews.com

The paper didn’t name which witnesses had been or will be issued with subpoenas. It’s known that current BMC Racing Team rider George Hincapie and former professional Tyler Hamilton have been approached by the federal investigators.

Hamilton has previously indicated he would provide investigators with his full cooperation if subpoenaed, telling The Wall Street Journal last month: “I am aware that there is an investigation of other people in progress, and if I am subpoenaed to provide information, I will provide my full cooperation.”

Armstrong Willing To Co-operate With Doping Investigation | Cyclingnews.com

"As long as we have a legitimate and credible and fair investigation I will be happy to co-operate but I'm not going to participate in any kind of witch hunt," he said, according to the New York Times.

He added that he had never been an owner of the team in any way during the U.S. Postal years. "It was not my company, I didn't have a position, I didn't have an equity stake, I didn't have a profit stake, I didn't have a seat on the board. I was a rider on the team. I can't be any clearer than that," Armstrong said.

The investigation is said to be concentrating on the team's finances during the period in which it was sponsored by U.S. Postal Services and owned by Tailwind Sports.

The latest dope on Floydgate, inept UCI donation management and the expected denials

2010-07-12T09:19:00.001+10:00

Still more smoke, no fire. You'd expect all of this, really. Although the UCI appears increasingly inept at keeping track of donations, doesn't it?

Hincapie And Hamilton Approached By Federal Investigators | Cyclingnews.com

George Hincapie (BMC) and Tyler Hamilton are among the riders who have been asked to cooperate with the federal investigation into doping practices in American cycling at large and the US Postal Service team in particular, according to the Wall Street Journal.

McQuaid Reveals Armstrong Made Two Donations To The UCI | Cyclingnews.com

The president of the International Cycling Union Pat McQuaid has revealed to Cyclingnews that Lance Armstrong made not one, but two donations to the UCI. Speaking to Cyclingnews during a visit to Britain, McQuaid said that the seven-time Tour de France winner signed a personal cheque for $25,000 in 2002 and then his management company Capital Sports and Entertainment made a second payment of $100,000 in 2005.

Bruyneel Questioned By Belgian Authorities About Landis Allegations | Cyclingnews.com

Johan Bruyneel has been questioned by Belgian federal prosecutors concerning doping claims made by Floyd Landis. The questioning was done at the request of the Koninklijke Belgische Wielrijdersbond (KBWB), the Belgian cycling federation, and the International Cycling Union, the KBWB said in a press release.

Bruyneel denied all accusations made by Landis.

Pevenage comes clean on Ullrich and Fuentes. But what of the others?

2010-07-09T16:06:00.001+10:00

Nice to see someone else owning up, even if it is rather late in the day. Mind you, Ullrich himself has admitted nothing, despite paying a fine.

SBS: Cycling Central : Ullrich mentor reveals he organised doping trips

"I never bought or sold banned doping products, all I did was organise Jan's trips to Madrid to go and see Fuentes", Pevenage told L'Equipe newspaper on Thurday.

He said T-Mobile had been racing clean in the wake of the Festina doping affair of 1998, which almost brought a halt to the 1998 race, but changed tack after seeing how badly they were faring against rival teams.

"At T-Mobile we stopped everything (doping) after 1998, and I can affirm that our team was really racing clean after that.

"But little by little we realised that we were beginning to trail behind some of our rivals, mostly the Spanish and Italians.

WADA confirms Interpol sticks nose into Floydgate investigation. Whatever. Let's just find the truth, eh?

2010-07-08T12:36:00.001+10:00

It gets bigger and bigger, and someone is going to get burned. I suspect it'll be Floyd himself, but he's already had his share and can't sink much lower, can he? Meanwhile the whole US Postal 'institutionalised doping' scenario looks like both a house of cards waiting to fall and an ever-receding mirage. It's hard to see anything provable coming out of this, but it deserves an airing to get the smell out. The truth may never come out but at least the effort will be made. Or not. Finally the UCI may also look a bit silly and naive, if not actually duplicitous and corrupt, in taking a significant 'donation' from a current rider. We shall see...

Investigation Into Landis Claims Widens To Include Interpol | Cyclingnews.com

An investigation into claims of widespread, organized doping made by Floyd Landis against his former teams has been broadened to include the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

The new development was confirmed by the World Anti Doping Agency's general director David Howman, whose agency has helped the United States federal investigators gain the cooperation of the European agency.

Statements by Floyd Landis in May led the US Food and Drug Administration to launch the investigation into claims that his former US Postal team engaged in organized doping practices and that Lance Armstrong was one of the riders to take part.

Landis rocks the Armstrong boat again, and LeMond makes a prediction

2010-07-03T16:49:00.001+10:00

Of course we all expected more detail to emerge just before Le Tour... and here it comes.

Explosive Landis Revelations On Eve Of Tour | Cyclingnews.com

The Wall Street Journal published new revelations of alleged doping practices early Saturday, just prior to the start of the Tour de France.

Several months ago Landis provided the publication with details of secret blood transfusions during the 2004 Tour de France, training camps in St Moritz with banned doctor Michele Ferrari, lavish parties featuring strippers in addition to the sale of team bikes to fund doping practices.

Landis also told the paper that after his ill-fated 2006 Tour de France campaign, Armstrong had advised him to deny taking performance-enhancing substances, while Garmin-Transitions boss and former US Postal rider Jonathan Vaughters had invited him to stay in New York to avoid the pressure cooker situation that had arisen, and told him he should 'come clean' about everything he had done.

Explosive Landis Revelations On Eve Of Tour | Cyclingnews.com

Landis also revealed several situations where US Postal riders had transfused blood, namely at the 2004 edition of the Tour, which was convincingly won by Armstrong. The first instance allegedly took place in a hotel in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat on July 12, the first rest day of that year's race.

The Art Of Peaking For The Tour De France | Cyclingnews.com

My Lance Armstrong prediction? Either he will not start or he will pull out just before the race enters France. I have a feeling that the world of cycling is about to change for the better.

2 years on, now the French want a share of Ricco with a fine and suspended sentence for EPO use

2010-07-02T16:33:00.001+10:00

On one hand he gained enormous publicity from his EPO antics, OTOH he's paid for it with a lengthy suspension. OTOOH he's come back strongly and is back in the frame as a "wanted" rider - for the right reasons I mean. Bottom line? I'm not sure about the right final balance being struck here but hopefully this will be the last of it. For Ricco at least.

SBS: Cycling Central : Ricco gets suspended jail term, fine for doping

A French court on Tuesday handed Italian cyclist Riccardo Ricco a two-month suspended jail term and a 3,000 euros (3,660 dollars) fine for doping during the 2008 Tour de France.

Ricco was kicked off the Tour that year after testing positive following the fourth stage time-trial for the banned blood-booster EPO.

3 Austrian riders pulled from Tour of Austria on suspicion of doping. Just in case?

2010-07-02T16:22:00.001+10:00

I guess they must be pretty sure. You'd imagine there's a strong case, anyway. Otherwise it's either premature or more than a bit weak to pull riders out - publicly - "just because".

SBS: Cycling Central : Three banned from Tour of Austria for doping

Austrian cyclists Michael Knopf, Josef Kugler and Hannes Gruendlinger have been banned from taking part in this year's Tour of Austria for doping, the national cycling association announced Thursday.

The decision comes after the Austrian anti-doping agency NADA said it was investigating the three athletes on suspicion of doping.

Flying Frei cops 2 years for EPO

2010-07-02T16:17:00.001+10:00

Former teammate (albeit briefly) of Cadel Evans... and a former Astana rider. I'm saying nothing more!!

SBS: Cycling Central : Two-year doping ban for Frei

Swiss rider Thomas Frei has been handed a two-year ban after testing positive for the banned EPO in March, the Swiss Olympic committee announced on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old, who tested positive in an out of competition test on March 21, admitted two previous offences.

Those Italian police are at it again, searching athlete's houses...

2010-07-01T08:06:00.001+10:00

At leat they seem keen to investigate... unlike some.

Homes Of Four Pro Riders Among Those Searched In Italy | Cyclingnews.com

La Gazzetta dello Sport has identified Brescia-based endocrinologist Filippo Manelli as the doctor at the centre of the doping raids carried out in Italy yesterday, and named some of the riders implicated in the investigation. The homes of professional riders Marco Velo (Quick Step), Riccardo Chiarini (De Rosa), Marco Corti (Footon Servetto) and Raffaele Ferrara (Carmiooro) were among those searched by Italian police yesterday, according to La Gazzetta.

Raids were also carried out on the homes of five of the six Lucchini riders excluded from the recent GiroBio, an unnamed mountain bike rider, and female professional Francesca Faustini, as well as a footballer from Genoa’s youth system, the Italian daily continued.

Basso's bio passport values during Giro show a non-doped human won - this time. But he never admitted doping, did he?

2010-06-21T08:10:00.000+10:00

Well the profile looks "normal", just as we would expect for someone riding for 3 long weeks; and there are no outliers or anomalies that have raised suspicions. So "clean" is as likely a conclusion as it can be. The only scary bit is that our current Ivan Basso is compared with the previous version who won the Giro in a canter, as if propelled by alien forces. Yet our current Basso admitted only to intent to dope, not actual doping. So why should his earlier win be considered in any sense "extraterrestrial"? There's an element of guilty assumption about his past, and be it true or not he is now considered "clean". Unlike his super-human contemporaries of the past who remain either doubted or outed.

Basso's biological passport numbers from Giro d'Italia published

The newspaper published results from three tests, showing a drop in hematocrit and haemoglobin values – indicating a clean performance. The first control was in Amsterdam, two days before the race started (43% hematocrit, 13.9g/dl haemoglobin), the second control was on the second rest day, between the stage to Monte Zoncolan and Plan de Coronas (40.9, 13.3) and the final control was in Verona on the morning of the last stage (38.7, 12.9).

VeloNews.com - Inside Cycling with John Wilcockson: The Flèche and Trentino, two hilltop sprints, two different stories

Basso, who was excluded from the 2006 Tour, admitted that his name was among the clients (though not an active one, he said) of the Operación Puerto blood-doping doctor Eufemiano Fuentes

Long interview with Stephen Roche. He supports UCI, says the past is the past, just move on

2010-06-19T08:52:00.001+10:00

Not sure everyone will agree - I'm sure Greg LeMond won't, for starters. Should we pursue past infractions indefinitely, or just draw a line and look forward from that point?

Stephen Roche Insight: Giro, Landis, bio passport and the improving lot of French cycling | VeloNation Cycling News

SR: No, I think that we can say it is part of the past. I think that the UCI and Pat McQuaid have been doing a great job. He is making slow progress, but I think at the same time he is gaining confidence from different bodies around.

Just for the record, Serrano got 2 years for a bio passport infringement and CERA

2010-06-18T17:25:00.001+10:00

Fairly standard stuff with 2 years for CERA use and abnormal haematocrit values. Meanwhile, the new improved Landis (with extra added honesty, maybe) case chugs along. I wonder what - if anything - will crawl out from under the woodpile over the next 2 weeks?

Serrano Suspended For Two Years On Doping Charges | Cyclingnews.com

The Spanish Cycling Federation has suspended Ricardo Serrano Gonzalez for two years, the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced on Thursday afternoon. Serrano was caught under the UCI's biological passport programme.

Team Lucchini Unidelta Ecovalsabbia exits Baby Giro with doping bust

2010-06-14T10:49:00.001+10:00

The Baby Giro has had a chequered past and the last thing it needs is a team discovered with a "treasure trove" of illicit materials. HArd to know when this will stop - perhaps never?

Leading team at the Baby Giro tossed from race after police raid | VeloNation Cycling News

On Friday evening, the night after the first stage of the Baby Giro, the NAS Carabinieri of Brescia, Florence, and Padua raided the hotel of the race and found an illicit treasure trove of doping products from one team, Lucchini Unidelta Ecovalsabbia. Only hours before, the team had taken victory by way of their rider, Omar Lombardi, in the bunch sprint that concluded the first day. Then came the fall-out.

Nothing else quite like an Italian court getting interested in a doping offence, even a theoretical one

2010-06-13T15:18:00.001+10:00

Italian Judge Opens Investigation Into Motorised Bikes | Cyclingnews.com

According to reports in Italian media, Guariniello, who often investigates popular causes and supports class action legal battles, has formally opened a sporting fraud investigation. In the past Guariniello has investigated accusations of doping at the Juventus soccer club and concerning Marco Pantani.

"We can't just ignore what Davide Cassani said on television during the Giro d'Italia", Fanini said in a statement after his call for an investigation moved Gauriniello to act.

"When he was asked if a rider had used the bike, Cassani said: 'The person who gave it to us said yes.' Now the names have to come out.

Scott Tinley on Landis, the allegations and what money drives people to do

2010-06-11T09:07:00.001+10:00

There's money in pro sport - nothing new there. There's also a mix of prestige, ego, accomplishment and human frailty. Now you can take the money away - go back to the amateur dream many fought so long and hard to protect - but that removes only one driver, one motivator, for cheating. Trouble is, humans dig winning and their big creative brains are always on the lookout for shortcuts. It's just one way we prosper. It's so engrained it's part of our daily lives. We cheat on our partners, we cheat on our fellow drivers by using shortcuts, by speeding, by simply pushing in front of the queue. We do all of this and rationalise it to suit ourselves, despite ethical analysis telling us it's plain wrong. So drugs - or any performance shortcut - in sport is simply here to stay. We may drive it deeper down but it'll still be there. And when we step from sport into the real world we find pharmaceuticals, alcohol, caffeine and harder recreational drugs absolutely in abundance. Of course it's hypocritical, of course it's a mixed message. Doesn't make cheating more palatable though, does it?

Floyd Landis, We Hardly Knew You. Or Did We? - Sports Blog - CBS News

Cycling wants to be given a chance, wants to put thirty years of substance abuse behind it in one clean swipe of the guillotine. But how can we pretend that the kids who grew up with one set of rules will simply walk away and let UCI administer the sport under a new one?

Floyd Landis, We Hardly Knew You. Or Did We? - Sports Blog - CBS News

"But therein lies the rub," Dr. Thomas continues. "If there is a smoking gun buried underneath all of this, either way, cycling and sport more broadly take another deep bruising for behavior that is rabidly, albeit implicitly, encouraged by the public at large. Bigger, faster, stronger, more violent--it all allows us to pimp more light beer, $250 athletic shoes, and car insurance through the rise and fall of real humans with already extraordinary abilities."

Dick Pound on Armstrong and Landis - a few days old now but worth a read if you missed it. No punches pulled

2010-06-10T20:17:00.001+10:00

Saying it like it is... and they've never seemed to like each either, have they? Pound says he admires Floyd for finally coming clean but wishes he'd done it earlier. He has no doubt about Armstrong.

VeloNews.com - Dick Pound talks Floyd Landis, Lance Armstrong and the system

“Most of the people who have looked at all of the facts have already come to the conclusion that (Armstrong) was already a user,” Pound said. “I don’t know whether that arrow has left the bow already or not. I think a lot of people really admire what he’s doing for cancer and stuff like that … there is, if you will, another song on his CD, whereas guys like Floyd don’t have that.”

Verbruggen denies and demands Landis cease his accusations, UCI and lawyers confirm

2010-06-09T07:56:00.001+10:00

The second link (below) i steh more detailed but the point is that legal wheels are now turning on the allegation by Landis that former UCI president Verbruggen accepted a bribe to cover up a positive drug test linked to Armstrong and/or his team.

The truth will out, or not, or may come out in a few years time. Pick your preferred reality.

UCI Demands Landis Cease Accusations | Cyclingnews.com

The current president of the UCI, Pat McQuaid, confirmed to the NY Daily News that the letter was sent requesting that Landis retract his accusations that his predecessor, Hein Verbruggen, accepted bribes to cover up a positive drug test by Lance Armstrong.

"They are asking him to cease and desist from making statements he's made about Mr. Verbruggen in the past few weeks because they are not true," McQuaid said.

Floyd Landis adds legal muscle, hires Greg LeMond's attorney in face of potential legal challenges

According to two people with knowledge of the situation, Landis has received an strongly worded letter from the office of Hein Verbruggen, a former president of the sport's international governing body, whom Landis accused of accepting bribes to suppress a failed Armstrong drug test. Pat McQuaid, who in 2006 succeeded Verbruggen as president of the International Cycling Union (UCI), confirmed that the letter had been sent.

Boardman warned UCI motorised bikes feasible but doubts they are in use

2010-06-05T12:55:00.001+10:00

Former pro racer turned bike maker made some interesting observations in the article linked to below. In summary, feasible, would be hard to spot but a huge risk for anyone trying to cheat: if caught they'd be dead in the water. I imagine if anyone has tried to do it already they'd be wary of trying again, at least for now...

Boardman Warned The UCI Of Risks Of Bike Doping | Cyclingnews.com

"There is not a shred of doubt that the technology exists to cheat in this way and that a rider could get a definite return from such cheating. With little buttons controlling the gears these days I suspect it would also be pretty simple to disguise," Boardman said.

MTBer Gaddoni tests positive for testosterone

2010-06-04T20:34:00.001+10:00

Italian Female MTB Rider Positive | Cyclingnews.com

Elena Gaddoni awaits hearing date

The Italian Olympic Committee has announced that Italian female MTB rider Elena Gaddoni (Scapin Stihl Torrevilla) has returned a positive doping test result. She tested positive for exogenous testosterone, with a T/E ratio above 4.

Blood passport - Caucchioli confirmed caught and cops 2 years - 'irregularities'

2010-06-04T15:11:00.001+10:00

Pietro Caucchioli Banned For Two Years | Cyclingnews.com

Italian sanctioned after suspicious UCI Biological Passport data

The Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal has banned Pietro Caucchioli for two years following the discovery of irregularities with his UCI Biological Passport.

Everyone does EPO: Greg LeMond goes public again on Armstrong and Landis. His interpretation of what he remembers...

2010-06-04T11:52:00.000+10:00

Greg LeMond has been consistent with his comments about both Armstrong and Landis, most recently praising Landis for finally coming clean, despite the Landis camp getting a bit personal earlier. And now he has got some press attention again, alleging that in a private conversation Armstrong effectively admitted that "everyone does EPO". I guess he didn't mean "everyone with a medical condition that requires it", but you never know. It's just LeMond's interpretation of what he heard - and remembers - and I'm sure Armstrong has a different take on it. Interesting that it keeps rolling along though...

Greg LeMond on doping accusations: I feel vindicated - USATODAY.com

"It seems almost crazy to dare say that Armstrong admitted he used EPO, but he did call me in 2001 and admitted that he used EPO. That was his way of saying, 'Everybody does EPO, your (1989) win was a miracle just like mine was.'

"My take on it is that I won by eight seconds. If I was doing EPO, I should have won by eight or nine minutes."

LeMond and Landis are odd partners in their shared criticism of Armstrong. During Landis' 2007 administrative appeal of his doping penalties, an associate of Landis phoned LeMond, pretending to be an adult who molested LeMond when he was a child. The call was an effort to prevent LeMond from testifying that Landis called him about doping.

"Floyd did call me," LeMond says. "And in an indirect way confessed to something, like he didn't know how to talk about it with his family and friends. He was on the fence about which way to go."

A rejection I believe - Cancellara did not cheat. OTOH everything is built on trust. I don't know the guy

2010-06-04T11:04:00.001+10:00

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; procycling is just a game played out for our entertainment, why take it all so seriously? Ahh, but there's money and prestige involved. Of course we are also bound by ethics to be fair, just and honest in all our dealings with both ourselves and our fellow human beings. By cheating we are effectively pushing ahead in the queue or bullying for gain. It's clearly, utterly wrong. And very human.

Now I do believe Cancellara is innocent of this alleged "doping bike" cheat but I have no way to prove it. It's just a trust, a belief in the system. Why would someone of his stature have to cheat, and why would they risk all? Of course that argument doesn't stand up either, if it did then we wouldn't have seen prominent riders subverting medicine and pharmaceutics in order to cheat.

So we are just back to trust and faith.

Team Saxo Bank Rejects Insinuations Of Mechanical Doping | Cyclingnews.com

Team Saxo Bank has issued a strongly worded statement denying that Fabian Cancellara or any rider in Bjarne Riis' team has ever used any form of ‘mechanical doping’ and has dismissed a popular video circulating on the internet that investigates the use of an electric engine as ‘a work of fiction, disguised as documentary.’

Concern over hidden electric motors grows in pro peleton

2010-06-02T08:43:00.001+10:00

It would be a huge risk for someone of Cancellara's stature to so obviously cheat like this but the issue is gaining prominence, deservedly or not. (I believe Cancellara myself, at least at this stage!) In short, an electric motor and battery is hidden in the seat tube and supplies drive to the crank axle on demand. It is certainly feasible but doubts remain over the actual torque applied and how long the battery would last. It's one thing to demonstrate the principle on a bike on a bike stand, another to actually demonstrate its effectiveness on the road. It would also be somewhat embarrassing if the motor whined loudly, failed to declutch or simply failed to switch off when requested. However it remains technically "do-able" in the very broadest sense.

Lefevere Takes Mechanical Doping Seriously | Cyclingnews.com

Most attention has been paid to Saxo Bank's Fabian Cancellara, whose impressive showings of strength saw him ride away alone in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix this spring. The Swiss rider laughed the story off. “I've already heard that. Rest assured, my achievements are the result of hard work."

Patrick Lefevere, Quick Step team manager, took the possibility of “bike doping” seriously, but was careful to point out, “I don't accuse anyone.”

Unlike Cassani's comments he hadn't brushed it off so lightly. “Laugh? No, I do not laugh about it. It's too serious to laugh. That movie made me suspicious.”

"For a long time I also belonged to the non-believers, now I begin to doubt gradually," he said "Watch out. For me, everyone is innocent until proven otherwise. I do not participate in gossip, and I try not to be paranoid but now that I have seem the movie of Cassani, I see why the UCI is examining the matter thoroughly."

"It would be worse than doping,” Lefevere said. “Even pure theft.”

Bike with engine (doped bike) and Cancellara (Roubaix - Vlaanderen)

2010-06-01T15:23:00.000+10:00

I'm not saying that this is true account of what is happening in procycling with miniaturised electric motors and batteries inserted into the seat tube, but it's within the realms of technical possibility. I do doubt that Cancellara would risk using such a device.

Valverde wiped from 2010 results, Evans the immediate winner in UCI rankings

2010-06-01T08:10:00.001+10:00

This would be so much harder to keep track of without computers. Of course wiping Valverde's points off is easy enough to do but it really doesn't take into account the influence Alejandro had on the races concerned. Not many options here, really. (Worth noting - in case you fell asleep for a while, which is understandable - that there's no evidence he had doped in this period, the blood doping evidence all dates back 6 years or so.)

Evans Climbs To World Rankings Lead | Cyclingnews.com

Australian Cadel Evans climbed into the lead in UCI's World Rankings after the disqualification of leader Alejandro Valverde. The Spaniard was suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday for his involvement in the Operacion Puerto doping affair, and stripped of his results since January 1, 2010.

"[Valverde] has been disqualified from all competitions in which he has competed since the beginning of the year and all points allocated to him have been removed. Mr Valverde must also return all prizes received. The UCI World Ranking has been modified accordingly," a UCI statement read.

Valverde gets a holiday for his Operacion Puerto involvement

2010-06-01T08:00:00.001+10:00

If you get a DNA match with a bag of blood that was hanging around in a refrigerator in Spain you can expect some pain. So the only surprise is that it took so long. But what of all the other bags of blood? (Insert silence here.)

Valverde Suspended For Two Years World-wide, Keeps Results | Cyclingnews.com

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has handed Alejandro Valverde a two-year suspension, effective starting January 1, 2010, for his involvement in the Operación Puerto doping scheme.

The court upheld the request of the UCI and World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) against the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC), but also refused to nullify Valverde's results prior to the start of the suspension.

The Gusev case - makes a good case for transparency but misses a few key points, like Valverde's DNA

2010-05-31T17:02:00.001+10:00

There are many good points made in this long piece in support of transparency on the UCI's part, something the governing organisation has not shown great desire for - or even talent at - up to now. Accusations are made (see below) about Bruyneel's influence over the UCI (debatable, I'm sure, but moot) and his manipulation of the media (surely something everyone tries to do?). Another point made is that some riders are pursued to the effect that they are rendered almost unable to get a job, even if they have not been tested positive to a banned substance (eg Rasmussen). Whereas several others do their time and are re-admitted to the fold in good teams. Whilst I can agree with the general sentiment (it seems unfair at times but... sometimes life is unfair) it does overlook matters of detail: Rasmussen, like Basso and Vino has served his time and is available for employment (and currently working as a rider to my knowledge). It's up to him to market his obvious talent. Rider selection is up to the teams themselves, not the UCI. And in Basso's case he also did not test positive but admitted to 'intent'; whereas in contrast Rasmussen has not admitted any more than getting his location wrong, despite a continental-sized location 'error' that he ostensibly lied about.

And then there's Valverde. Yes, he is being pursued where others implicated in Operacion Puerto ride on, case close. But not everyone is convinced of his non-involvement and, unlike other riders his DNA (taken by Italian authorities from a test during a stage of Le Tour that visited Italy) is available and has been (allegedly) positively linked to DNA found in blood collected from Operacion Puerto. Whilst I'd like to see every rider who was implicated in Puerto give up their DNA for matching, it's only the Italian authorities who have the motivation and the determination to see this through. Should we criticise them for this apparent vendetta or celebrate their perseverance?

Bottom line is that we need transparency and clear evidence of fairness in the process. At the moment it's a dog's breakfast. That at least is certainly clear.

Daily Peloton - Pro Cycling News

Martin Hardie views the Gusev case is yet another example of the tendency which has bothered riders, managers and cycle reporters for a long time: It reveals that some riders can do anything without being punished and other riders are being punished even if they are acquitted.

For example, the International Cycling Union works actively at expanding the prohibition to the whole world which the Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde has recieved against riding in Italy. Valverde was allegedly involved in the case of blood doping known as Operation Puerto in 2006, but he has never been banned by the Spanish Cycling Union. However his compatriot Contador who has worked for Bruyneel until recently whose his initials allegedly were found on some of the many blood bags in 2006 is still free to ride. UCI is not running any campaign against him nor are they pursuing Fränk Schleck from Bjarne Riis’ CSC Team although he also was in involved in Operacion Puerto because he send money to the doctor who is charged with running the illegal program.

Colom gets 2 years for EPO

2010-05-28T19:15:00.001+10:00

Colom Suspended For Two Years | Cyclingnews.com

Antonio Colom has been suspended for two years by the Spanish Cycling federation for anti-doping violations, the International Cycling Union has reported. He has also been ordered to pay a fine of 46,958 Euro.

He tested positive for EPO in an out-of-competition control in April 2009, and had been targeted under the biological passport programme, according to the UCI.

Ballan back to racing after cleared of involvement. Handy rider to have back on the BMC team, eh?

2010-05-28T19:14:00.001+10:00

Ballan Back To Racing | Cyclingnews.com

BMC Racing Team president Jim Ochowicz indicated that Ballan "has fully cooperated with the Italian authority and has provided the investigation authority with all requested information and even more. Apart of that, no sporting authority has opened a proceeding against Alessandro Ballan so far. Given all these aspects, the BMC Team has no reason at all to not respect the presumption of innocence and will no longer withhold Alessandro Ballan from competition."

Lucky first for De Bonis - inaugural Biological Passport suspension is a prize of 2 years off

2010-05-28T08:09:00.001+10:00

Two Years For De Bonis | Cyclingnews.com

Francesco De Bonis has been handed a two-year suspension and fine by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). The Italian was one of the first five cases opened by the UCI last year with the backing of its Biological Passport. The suspension runs from June 18, 2009, to June 17, 2011.

Support for Landis grows as his detailed account provides insight into doping 'best practice'

2010-05-27T15:58:00.000+10:00

I don't think this is particularly new, but it confirms - if true - what has been suspected for a long time. The Landis allegations point to a combination of EPO microdosing with a balancing degree of autologous blood doping. As I understand it the blood transfusions in effect mask the otherwise imbalanced percentage of newly-formed red blood cells by adding old ones that were kept in a handy refrigerator... Operacion Puerto anyone?

Biological Passport Expert Taking Landis Seriously | Cyclingnews.com

Landis, in confessing to practices he used during his time with the US Postal Service and Phonak teams, not only detailed the techniques he used but also said the practice was condoned by team management and adopted by his fellow teammates. He revealed that riders combined small doses of the drug with undetectable transfusions of the rider's own blood to boost performance, giving anti-doping authorities important details on how cheaters continue to evade positive tests.

US dope scope widens to consider doping, if proven, to constitute fraud by teams and riders

2010-05-26T22:31:00.001+10:00

The Landis allegations continue to generate investigative activity but how provable will any of this be? (Has anyone got hold of that US Postal team bus driver yet?) Who (if anyone) will dare come forward and back up these damaging claims? I guess we'll find out soon enough, when the smoke clears a bit more.

Meanwhile the defence lawyers will be warming up in earnest. And all of this dopage talk must signal an early start to the annual TdF speculation fest, mustn't it?

Scope Of US Doping Inquiry May Be Widened | Cyclingnews.com

Speaking to the New York Times, Columbia University law professor and former federal prosecutor Daniel C. Richman said of potential fraud charges: “Federal fraud charges are fairly straightforward; they apply to any scheme to acquire money or property through deceit or misrepresentation. In this case, the authorities would have to prove that Armstrong was misrepresenting himself to sponsors by saying that he was clean but was actually using performance-enhancing drugs and profiting from it.”

UCI owns up to conflict of interest over $100K from Armstrong, admits it reminded LA of promise

2010-05-26T08:17:00.001+10:00

It's nice to see the UCI finally come clean and admit that it should've thought twice about accepting a donation from a rider; and nice also that they sent Armstrong a friendly reminder when he overlooked paying up. Such a nice thing all 'round, ain't it?

That Lance made the promise in 2002 and only paid in 2005 perhaps suggests that (a) $100K is small beans to LA and easily overlooked; (b) the UCI was too polite to ask at first; and then (c) the UCI got a bit desperate about it later and reminded him of the promised donation.

I'm sure we can all read the details and draw our own conclusions. Good to see that investigations into the Landis allegations are underway. I'm sure it'll all be cleared up before July 4 - or sometime within the next 2 and half years, anyway.

McQuaid Acknowledges Accepting Armstrong Donation A Mistake | Cyclingnews.com

The President of the UCI Pat McQuaid has revealed that Lance Armstrong is the only rider ever to have made a donation to UCI and has admitted that in hindsight, the decision to accept $100,000 while the Texan was still racing was regrettable.

Szczepaniak brothers stripped of medals

2010-05-22T06:29:00.001+10:00

Jouffroy Confirmed As U23 'cross World Champion | Cyclingnews.com

Szczepaniak brothers stripped of medals, issued with heavy bans

Frenchman Arnaud Jouffroy has been officially confirmed as Under-23 World Cyclo-cross Champion following the disqualification of Pawel and Kacper Szczepaniak. The brothers have been stripped of their medals and been handed heavy penalties by the Polish Cycling Federation (PZK).

Jouffroy had finished third behind the Polish brothers in the World Championship race on January 30 in Tabor, Czech Republic. On March 11, the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced that Pawel, 20, and Kacper, 19, had tested positive for EPO in targeted tests carried out after the event.

Colo and Larpe positive; Dekker and Astarloza sanctioned

2010-05-22T04:51:00.001+10:00

UCI Suspends Larpe, Coló For Drug Positives | Cyclingnews.com

Cycling's governing body lists fines, sanctions handed to Dekker, Astarloza

Mickael Larpe (Roubaix Lille Metropole) and Alessandro Coló (ISD-Neri) have been provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI) after respective positive tests for EPO and clenbuterol. The UCI have also confirmed sanctions and fines issued by four national federations to eight individual riders, including Thomas Dekker and Mikel Astarloza.

Armstrong rejects claims by Landis

2010-05-21T08:24:00.001+10:00

Armstrong makes some good points in his defence. Clearly more to come but there are great doubts about the veracity of the claims. It remains unverified and probably unverifiable.

Armstrong Rejects Landis Allegations | Cyclingnews.com

It is very sad. At one point or another, all of us implicated have cared about Floyd, that is one things that we have shared in common. We might be on different teams, come in different backgrounds or be at different places in our lives but at some point we share this bond that we all gave him ladder at some point in his life when he dug himself a hole. We gave him the ladder to dig out of the Mercury situation. Andy Rihs came on and gave him a ladder to dig out of that hole. People aren’t throwing him ladders anymore. I don’t want to make a personal attack on Landis. I don’t think he is a good guy or a bad guy, he certainly has some issues.

Untested Landis allegations implicate Hincapie and Dave Z as well as many others

2010-05-20T22:31:00.001+10:00

addicted2wheels

Landis dobs on ex-teammates. If true - and proven to be true - what happens next?
Why confess after so much effort was expended on denials? Why implicate just about everyone he has ever ridden with? Armstrong, Hincapie, Leipheimer... and Bruyneel of course. Is it revenge, or a need to clear his conscience? It's an amazing co-incidence, to have Dave Z leading the ToC right now and to be named by Landis along with the all-star cast of past colleagues.... mind you, at least one of these emails reportedly date back to April 30.

Landis confesses, implicates Armstrong and Bruyneel? If true and can be proved... big ifs

2010-05-20T22:06:00.001+10:00

Big "ifs" indeed. Is it really an email from Landis? Does it hold water? Can it be proven?

Landis Confesses To Doping, Implicates Armstrong And Bruyneel | Cyclingnews.com

Floyd Landis has confessed to doping during his professional cycling career in an e-mail to USA Cycling chief executive officer Steve Johnson, which Cyclingnews has obtained a copy of. The e-mail, which was sent to Johnson on April 30, details Landis’ history with doping, starting from his first experience with testosterone in 2002 through to 2006 when he won the Tour de France, before abnormalities from a test on stage 17 saw him stripped of the title years later.

David Clinger pinged 2 years for testosterone

2010-05-06T20:10:00.001+10:00

In cycle sport bulking up doesn't help much at all, unless perhaps you are a track sprinter. So when a roadie or MTBer gets pinged there's usually a different story; often it's a desire to come back quickly after an injury. The alternative explanation is that a testosterone patch helps post-race or heavy training load recovery, something that is unproven but widely believed. Unproven it may be, however if you do believe it works, for you it probably does. It's that old mind-over-matter thing.

Clinger Given Two-year Suspension For Doping | Cyclingnews.com

Positive test at 2009 US elite road nationals

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today that an American Arbitration Association/Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS) panel issued its decision that David Clinger receive a two-year suspension for doping violations.

Whilst Valverde continues to race and win the noose tightens

2010-05-06T20:05:00.001+10:00

Well he denies everything and will contest this for ever more, but either way it doesn't look good, does it?

Valverde Case Gets Further Support | Cyclingnews.com

Spanish court backs CONI's use of Puerto evidence

Madrid's provincial court has ruled that the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) was within its rights when, in 2008, it obtained bags of plasma that linked Alejandro Valverde to the Puerto investigation. This ruling follows a similar assessment by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in March.

Larpe lucks out?

2010-05-06T20:02:00.001+10:00

Nothing like having the police search your home to get you motivated for a long spell off the bike. Mind you, there's always the B-sample so we must not judge.

Larpe Positive For EPO | Cyclingnews.com

Mickaël Larpe from the Continental team Roubaix-Lille-Métropole has tested positive for EPO, the French professional league announced today, just 10 hours after the police raided his house in Angoulême. The Frenchman faces a two-year ban and an inquiry is ongoing about trafficking of doping products.