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
Ever need help biking up one of Seattle’s killer hills? There’s a solution that combines a mountain bike and a motor, but only if you can’t handle the burn.
“Power only when you need it. In fact, it will go 20 miles at full throttle on just the lithium ion power cell before recharging, but it can go up to 40 miles if you’re pedaling,” said Greg Taylor, owner of Max-MPG Scooters in Pierce County.
You just plug it in when you’re done…Â DetailsÂ