Although some have made light of it, Lance Armstrong’s latest run-in with French anti-doping authorities is no joke.
At worse, the French say, they have the power to suspend the seven-time Tour de France champion from competing in the country for supposedly having kept a drug tester waiting. That would certainly take the shine off Armstrong’s comeback that has pulled in publicity and crowds for his battered sport.
Even if it doesn’t come to sanctions, the French anti-doping agency’s suggestion that Armstrong didn’t cooperate fully with their tester could again mean that he’ll compete at this year’s Tour under a cloud. Unless, of course, the claims cause him to … Details
GUENES, Spain, April 9 (Reuters) – A long sprint earned Michael Albasini of Switzerland victory on stage four of the Tour of the Basque Country on Thursday.
Second behind the Columbia-Highroad rider was Belgian Jurgen Van Den Broeck, with American Christian Vande Velde third.
The three riders formed part of a day-long breakaway which attacked after 20 kms of racing through hilly terrain.
Albasini then outpowered his two rivals for his first victory in two years…Â Details
 Lance Armstrong violated anti-doping rules during a random test in Southern France and could face disciplinary action, the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) said Thursday.
The seven-times Tour de France champion “did not respect the obligation to stay under (the) direct and permanent observation” of the tester, the AFLD said in a statement.
The 37-year-old American, who returned to the sport in January after 3 1/2 years retirement, denied any wrongdoing on Tuesday.
Armstrong was asked to provide urine, blood and hair samples when returning from a training ride around Beaulieu-sur-Mer last month.
“In a letter sent to the Agency on April 8, UCI (International Cycling Union) president Pat McQuaid said an interpretation of the World Anti-Doping code and UCI anti-doping rules confers the AFLD the right to open a disciplinary procedure against Lance Armstrong,” the statement read.
“The AFLD is competent to impose disciplinary sanctions to people who do not hold a French license but train on the national territory.”
Any sanction imposed on Armstrong would be valid on French territory only…Â Details