Cyclingpost.com - Synthetic testosterone in Landis' B-samples

Synthetic testosterone in Landis' B-samples

By Jeroen Michiels
Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:59:19

PARIS, Apr 23 (CP) - According to the French sports paper L'Equipe, Floyd Landis' urine B-samples contain synthetic testosterone. Initially, these samples were classified as negative but were further examined at the request of the US Anti Doping Agency (USADA).

Moreover, the sports paper stated that the Châtenay-Malabry lab [LNDD] did the analysis in presence of expert witnesses; one of them was appointed by Landis, the two others by the USADA. However, Landis' spokesman Michael Henson claims that the American's expert witness, former UCLA antidoping laboratory director of clients, Paul Scott, was not allowed to enter the lab.

"According to Scott, LNDD lab director Jacques de Ceaurriz did not allow him to enter the facility Sunday morning. Ceaurriz cited direct orders from USADA to prohibit any further observation of the ongoing retesting," says the statement, released by Henson.

"As such, the analysis of two samples was conducted without a Landis representative as witness. Such behavior constitutes a clear and direct infringement of Landis' rights while casting severe doubt on the integrity of an already dubious process," Henson continued in his statement.

"This latest incident comes on the heels of a week in which Landis' observers have been repeatedly and improperly restricted from accessing key phases of data processing and analysis while USADA's expert and lawyer were able to have free lab access and directed the retesting process of LNDD."

The former Phonak rider already reacted on the news, saying that "This is yet another in a series of malicious actions by USADA that tramples my right to have my case heard in fair and just way.

"How can I be expected to prove my innocence while USADA endeavors to break their own rules at every turn? I’m infuriated by the behavior of USADA and the LNDD. Together, they have turned this proceeding into a full-scale attack on my civil rights and a mockery of justice," Landis stated.