\u00c2\u00a0Lance 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The 37-year-old American, who returned to the sport in January after 3 1\/2 years retirement, denied any wrongdoing on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Armstrong was asked to provide urine, blood and hair samples when returning from a training ride around Beaulieu-sur-Mer last month.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“The AFLD is competent to impose disciplinary sanctions to people who do not hold a French license but train on the national territory.”<\/p>\n