Whilst we are still guessing about the hard evidence that USADA may have on Armstrong, we do know a lot about some of the allegations that have been made – and generally dismissed – in the past. One of these allegations implicates not just Armstrong but a whole army of people, including the governing body, the UCI. Now let me stress it’s just hearsay, really, but the story goes that Armstrong did fail a test, or at least return a result that was “questionable”, in 2001. And that subsequently, either through mishandling or something much more corrupt, all questions were dropped. The fingers are naturally pointed at the rider but also at those who decided to bury the case, if indeed the case ever existed. Unless the USADA has firm evidence of the conspiracy then it’s a non-starter anyway, as well as being somewhat time-expired. So do they have evidence, or indeed something completely different, and perhaps more recent to pursue?

USADA Case Against Armstrong Could Damage UCI, Ashenden Says | Cyclingnews.com

Ashenden’s concern does not relate to the alleged use of banned substances such as EPO or human growth hormone, but an alleged cover up of a doping control at the 2001 Tour de Suisse.

Armstrong took part in the race and, according to USADA, several witnesses have given testimony that Armstrong told them that a positive test had been covered up. Two former teammates, Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton, have both gone on record to substantiate the claims.

USADA’s letter of notification also includes reference to their own interview with the Lausanne lab director, Dr Martial Saugy, who conducted the tests in 2001. Saugy told USADA that Armstrong’s samples were indicative of EPO use. In May 2011 Saugy admitted to attending a meeting with former US Postal sports director Johan Bruyneel and Lance Armstrong to discuss details of the early EPO test method.

“For me the thing that has the most far-reaching consequence is that several witnesses said that Armstrong talked about having a test result covered up,” Ashenden told Cyclingnews.

“That has enormous implications. If the evidence supports that charge it’s likely to descend cycling, which is already fending off a fair bit of criticism, into chaos. It’s hard to understate the ramifications. If Armstrong believed that he had a test that was covered up then that story doesn’t just end with him being sanctioned or not because other people must have been complicit with Armstrong.”

Bassons and Simeoni, 2 peope with a negative view of Lance Armstrong’s personality and, uh, life choices. Bitter? Probably. Informed? Well… shall we say Armstrong denies all – and at this stage that’s all we truly know, other than our personal feelings on the man. We can be sure that there’s a lot riding on this. Reputations to be lost, past race results overturned, personal fortunes lost and team sponsorships destroyed at the very least. Doping is but one aspect of sporting fraud.

Bassons And Simeoni Say Armstrong Probe Is Overdue | Cyclingnews.com

Bassons said that USADA’s action was “important” but also long overdue. “It’s a shame now that it’s coming 15 years after it all happened. It’s a shame because the evidence was there for years. I knew all along what was happening, so this doesn’t change anything for me. I don’t need fifteen pages of documents to tell me what I knew already,” Bassons told Cyclingnews.

Simeoni had similarly mixed feelings. The Italian said the possibility of Armstrong being condemned for doping left him “cold”. Simeoni also “can’t understand why suddenly now they’re investigating him, when for years he was allowed to do whatever he wanted.”

Yes, Schleck is out with a broken pelvis, and that’s a shame – even if he hasn’t actually shown good form of late anyway. But the big news is about… Lance Armstrong.

When a 7-time winner of Le Tour is named and shamed like this it must mean something. Either it’s simply the latest shot in a wide-ranging vendetta – nay, global conspiracy – against Armstrong, or it’s umm, a real doping charge with sufficient evidence to back it up? Now beating cancer yet winning Le Tour 7 times is a story in itself, but then falling in total dishonour would be just staggering. Will he get off? Will he lose the case? Will the case actually get off the ground? Do we care anymore?

Oh, yes, he denies everything by the way. And his loyal lieutenant Hincapie announced his retirement the other day, too, in an unrelated story. 

The movie rights will be in hot demand. Expect another book – or 5.

Armstrong Charged With Doping By USADA | Cyclingnews.com

Lance Armstrong has been formally charged with doping by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) according to the Washington Post. The seven-time Tour de France winner has been banned from competition effective immediately, including triathlons which he has been racing since he retired from pro road cycling in 2011.

Armstrong Charged With Doping By USADA | Cyclingnews.com

“I have never doped, and, unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one. That USADA ignores this fundamental distinction and charges me instead of the admitted dopers says far more about USADA, its lack of fairness and this vendetta than it does about my guilt or innocence.”

Missouri fan on team plane in federal drug probe

Hincapie retires — Five-time Olympian and Tour de France veteran George Hincapie will retire from cycling after the 2012 season. Hincapie, 38, is expected to ride his 17th Tour de France later this month, breaking the record he had shared with Dutch rider Joop Zoetemelk for the most Tour starts in history. (AP)

Luis Mansilla is back on his bike, cleared of all charges. Yes, his A-sample was positive, and that fact was made public – but the B-sample is negative. Which raises, as always, a host of questions. Like, how can one sample, presumably sent blind to one accredited testing lab, be so different from another, sent to a different lab?

Well we are dealing in vanishingly small quantities of drugs – and even the best technicians with the best equipment can make a mistake, or the equipment be out of calibration just ever so slightly (and in either direction, too).

And if (a big if, and pure speculation in this particular case) one lab test reveals a positive just over the minimum threshold then it is conceivable that another lab – purely by statistical chance – could go the other way and be under the line. You’d have to roll the dice 100 times as it were to be really sure. Which would cost a lot more and take much more time.

Which is to say that the benefit of the doubt must go to the athlete.

Now many will argue that one positive sample is good enough to raise doubts, and that in the interests of transparency the findings should be made public. On the other hand many will say that ethically, in consideration of the athlete’s reputation, it should be kept quiet until the 2nd test confirms the first. I tend towards the latter, however the transparency argument does remove some of the potential for “hushing up” results.
  

Mansilla Cleared Of EPO Doping Charges Negative B Sample | Cyclingnews.com

Luis Mansilla has been cleared of doping charges after his B-sample came back negative, the head of the Chilean cycling federation has said. Mansilla can now resume his preparations for the London Olympics, where he is expected to feature on both the track and road teams.

Mansilla had tested positive for EPO after stage 5 of the 2012 Tour of Chile in January, which he lead for eight stages and in which he won two stages.

Well what can one say? Talented? Tempted? Caught? Whether you believe in the “level playing field”, the “theft by stealth and misrepresentation” or the “save them from themselves” arguments, it’s hard to be cheerful about another one biting the dust. The system works. Or does it?

Mansilla Tests Positive For EPO | Cyclingnews.com

Chilean Cycling’s plans for the London 2012 Olympics have been thrown into disarray with the news that star rider Luis Mansilla tested positive for EPO after stage five of the 2012 Tour of Chile last January. The shock news comes more than two months after the race, where Mansilla won two stages.

I’ve said it before, she’s a legend and an inspiration. But let’s hope that such a good story doesn’t end badly.

Longo’s Husband Held After Alpe D’Huez Home Raid | Cyclingnews.com

Longo questioned after further allegations of EPO purchases

Patrice Ciprelli, the husband and coach of Jeannie Longo, has been taken into custody by French police following a raid on the apartment the couple own at Alpe d’Huez on Wednesday morning. A simultaneous search was also carried out at the couple’s home in Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux, Isère.

Dopage du Jour: Longo case dismissed on a French legal technicality – and life goes on

Longo case dismissed on a French legal technicality – and life goes on
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.

Contador has just lost a lot. A whole lot. Yes, he’s back soon, real soon, but what he has foregone (by choice, error of judgement or otherwise) would be more than enough to make a stellar pro cycling career. Just to ride a Tour de France is a career high, to win it is astounding. And that – and almost 2 years of excellent results, including a Giro win – has just evaporated in an instant. It will hurt.

It’s not that it’s cut and dried, he may well have been innocent, naive and unaware in his drug taking. In all likelihood it was a contaminated food supplement that contained the analobolic agent. It happens. But it was detected, it was there. The Clenbuterol was in his blood – one way or another. And on the basis of consistency (he’s hardly the first) he has to get 2 years off. Yes, others have also been let off or had the peroid reduced, but circumstances were clearly and utterly different. When single, isolated cases of Clenbuterol detection have arisen then the athlete concerned has (AFAIK) received 2 years off. So it’s a win for consistency and fairness, in that sense.

But then again, he may indeed have taken it unknowingly. There is no evidence for deliberate ingestion as a performance-enhancing agent, just a detection and an infringement. We are talking about a trace only, not a large neon sign saying “drugs on board”. Perhaps a plasticiser test may have helped clear the air, but as it stands the personal fairness of this decision is really only known to Contador himself. And if he truly didn’t know then he’d be gutted. Or worse.

But he’s not the first such case, after all. And others less well known have arguably suffered even more. There’s also a certain irony in his old team captain getting let off the hook (for perfectly valid reasons) in the same week.

CAS Sanction Contador With Two Year Ban In Clenbuterol Case | Cyclingnews.com

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has handed Alberto Contador a two year sanction for his positive test for clenbuterol at the 2010 Tour de France. After a long-running saga, CAS announced on Monday that it had upheld the UCI and WADA’s joint appeal against the Spanish Cycling Federation’s (RFEC) decision not to suspend Contador.

CAS Sanction Contador With Two Year Ban In Clenbuterol Case | Cyclingnews.com

Contador’s positive test dates from July 21, 2010, although the case was not made public until September 30 of that year. In February 2011, the RFEC officially cleared Contador, accepting his explanation that the traces of clenbuterol in his sample had been caused by consuming contaminated meat.

UCI Confirms CAS Decision To Ban Contador | Cyclingnews.com

The UCI had appealed the Spanish cycling federation’s decision to acquit Contador, and the CAS has now upheld the UCI’s view.

“However, the UCI has not derived a sense of satisfaction from the CAS ruling, but rather welcomes the news as the end of a long-running affair that has been extremely painful for cycling,” the organization said in a press release issued Monday midday.

Without wanting to enter into the details of the ruling, UCI President Pat McQuaid said: “This is a sad day for our sport. Some may think of it as a victory, but that is not at all the case. There are no winners when it comes to the issue of doping: every case, irrespective of its characteristics, is always a case too many.”

Pereiro Furious Over Contador’s CAS Ban | Cyclingnews.com

“Two years of sanctions to Alberto Contador and the judgement says that the doping is not proven,” he tweeted. “Then? Sons of a ….”

In another tweet, he referred to Alejandro Valverde, who just came off a two-year ban. “We have two Spaniards sanctioned, without the UCI or CAS proving it. Shame on you (…) Do you know what I think? He is innocent, I know him. Hopefully he will go through with this to the end and then we will see who we pay for and who does their job like shit.”

Pereiro Furious Over Contador’s CAS Ban | Cyclingnews.com

What really is rotten in cycling are the leaders who become millionaires with our sweat and effort. And they wait two years for this and don’t have the balls to say anything at the time? You will see the dust of Mr. McQuaid and company.”

Andy Schleck Reacts To Contador’s Doping Ban | Cyclingnews.com

“There is no reason to be happy now”, Schleck said in a RadioShack-Nissan press release

“First of all I feel sad for Alberto. I always believed in his innocence. This is just a very sad day for cycling. The only positive news is that there is a verdict after 566 days of uncertainty. We can finally move on.”

Spanish Champions Spring To Contador’s Defence | Cyclingnews.com

Floyd Landis was at the same time talking to Australian anti-doping expert Michael Ashenden about his own positive test for testosterone at the 2006 Tour.

“I doped with EPO and blood transfusions,” Landis told Ashenden. “But the strange thing is that at no time during that Tour did I take testosterone, which was the substance that condemned me. Before the Tour I did take it, and that must surely have been how it got into my system because it was in one of the blood bags I used. It wouldn’t surprise me if Contador’s clenbuterol hadn’t followed the same path.

Scarponi Responds To Contador Verdict | Cyclingnews.com

While Gadret insisted that he had no problem with Contador’s participation in the Giro at the time, he conceded that in hindsight, the Spaniard’s presence in Italy had completely altered the way in which the other overall contenders approached the race.

“The important point is that without Contador, it wouldn’t have been the same race. He was so far ahead of everyone else,” Gadret said. “Behind, there was a small nucleus of riders who were very close to each other. The Giro wouldn’t have been skewed and it would have been very interesting.”

Gadret also pointed out that while Contador’s ban is officially two years, in practice, he will only be out of action for a shade over six months. “If I’m calculating right, it’s finished in the month of August,” he said. “He’ll come back and win the Vuelta. That’s going to pass very quickly, It’s only six months off the bike for him.”

Dope: Contador banned, stripped of Tour de France title

The CAS panel imposed the ban in a several-times delayed case and after a three-day hearing of all parties in November.

There was no conclusive evidence that Contador’s test was the result of contaminated meat.

“Unlike certain other countries, notably outside Europe, Spain is not known to have a contamination problem with clenbuterol in meat.

Furthermore, no other cases of athletes having tested positive to clenbuterol allegedly in connection with the consumption of Spanish meat are known.

If nothing else Contador will have plenty of motivation and fresh legs come August 5, 2012.

And on the subject of Alberto’s old team captain and later adversary, Phil Liggett has a strong opinion…

Liggett On Armstrong: The Whole Investigation Was A Waste Of Money | Cyclingnews.com

“He told me in a private situation, when I wasn’t working as a journalist. I was sat in the bedroom some years ago, and I asked him point blank, ‘look Lance, the way I talked you up on television, I would have to back off and resign if you one day went positive’. And he looked at me and he said ‘man I’ve seen death in the face and I don’t take drugs.’ And that’s all he said. I have no reason to disbelieve him.”

“But I’ve been with him on his private jet when he’s been reading stuff on Cyclingnews and he’s gone, ‘god damn it look at what they’re saying about me again’ and he just passes his computer over to his friends.”

 

It looks like Lance Armstrong can breathe a sigh of relief as the criminal investigation into the supposed sporting fraud appears to have ended. But there remains the small matter of performance enhancement and the reported sworn statements of interested parties. Like Hamilton and Landis, amongst several others. Whilst these remain unproven accusations they also remain out there, waiting for resolution. Lance may refute these accusations but that alone doesn’t make them vanish. The story will no doubt linger for some time yet.

Lance Armstrong Inquiry Concludes With No Charges Filed | Cyclingnews.com

The Associated Press has reported today that the nearly two-year long federal investigation into allegations of doping by Lance Armstrong has come to a conclusion without any charges being filed.

A press release from United States Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. stated his office “is closing an investigation into allegations of federal criminal conduct by members and associates of a professional bicycle racing team owned in part by Lance Armstrong.”

Legal experts say Armstrong investigation winding up

n a “60 Minutes” television interview that aired Sunday, former Armstrong teammate Tyler Hamilton said he told a grand jury that he and Armstrong participated in well-orchestrated doping regimens to boost their performance on cycling’s biggest stage. Hamilton said Armstrong used the blood-boosting hormone erythropeietin to prepare for his third Tour win in 2001, and that Armstrong told him the international cycling body helped cover up a positive test at a warm-up event in Switzerland.

“We have progressed way beyond the rumor stage,” said Laurie Levenson, a Los Angeles-based criminal law professor for Loyola University. “They are actively engaged in the grand jury stage, most likely with their eye toward an indictment. They are at the wrapping up stage rather than the beginning stage.”

Prosecutors close Armstrong inquiry, no charges

“This is great news,” Armstrong attorney Mark Fabiani said in a statement. “Lance is pleased that the United States Attorney made the right decision, and he is more determined than ever to devote his time and energy to Livestrong and to the causes that have defined his career.”

The probe, anchored in Los Angeles where a grand jury was presented evidence by federal prosecutors and heard testimony from Armstrong’s former teammates and associates, began with a separate investigation of Rock Racing, a cycling team owned by fashion entrepreneur Michael Ball.

U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. announced in a press release that his office “is closing an investigation into allegations of federal criminal conduct by members and associates of a professional bicycle racing team owned in part by Lance Armstrong.”

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?

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.

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.

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.

Not that I’m against it at all, doping in sport is as legitimate as breaching technical regs in any sport – or in life generally. After all it’s as human to lie, cheat and deceive as it is to be decent, sober and honest. What you are doing is running a calculated risk. If it was motor sport we could almost admire the cheats for their cunning – think about a certain famous Aussie racing driver activating his fortuitously aimed engine-bay fire extinguishers just when his turbo-charged engine needed a denser dose of air – and just let it ride. But when we are the engine on top of the machine it becomes somewhat more of a dilemma. Someone could permanently injure their health by that form of cheating. Should that matter to us, or should we just address the inequity in performance enhancement by drugs?

So by enhancing yourself with a product – any product really – then you are taking yourself into ethically interesting territory. It’s just a matter of distinction by degree where you personally draw the line. Drugs vary by effect and danger. Altitude training and cryotherapy costs money and isn’t available to all. Some bike makers claim weight, stiffness or aerodynamic advantages that aren’t available to others. And so on. How you personally address your individual ethical situation is up to you. You can take a stricter or looser approach and balance your risks accordingly.

Now Oscar Sevilla has previous form here but we should forget that and just look at the situation as it stands. He’s a good rider, perhaps even a great one, who has taken decisions that have led to various penalties. He’s paid the price. And now he’s paying again. Is it any different from speeding in your car and paying the fine or accepting the disqualification?   

Sevilla Given Six Month Ban For Hydroxyethyl Starch Positive | Cyclingnews.com

Oscar Sevilla (Gobernacion De Antioquia-Indeportes Antiquia) has been handed a six month suspension by the Spanish Cycling Federation for his Hydroxyethyl Starch (HES) positive that occurred in last year’s Vuelta a Colombia.

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.

I can understand Armstrong’s position – he has a lot a stake and only one small (annulled) doping violation to his name (for topical cortisol, if memory serves) – yet here he is getting all “awkward” with a doubly-busted-for doping ex-team-mate who has gone public with a bit of a lively story. Be the yarn true or not, why bother talking with the guy? Let alone getting awkward about it. Was he just stilted in his conversation, or was there a bit more aggro there?  

SBS: Cycling Central : Awkward encounter for Armstrong and Hamilton

Tyler Hamilton, who recently went public with his claim that Lance Armstrong doped, had an awkward encounter with the seven-time Tour de France champion at a Colorado restaurant at the weekend, US media reports.

ESPN.com reports Hamilton was unnerved enough by the incident to inform his lawyers, who told the sports website they had formally notified US authorities of what they consider “aggressive contact” initiated by Armstrong.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.