From cyclingnews:
The Phonak team has confirmed the speculation that Floyd Landis returned a positive A sample after his win in stage 17 of the Tour de France. "The Phonak Cycling Team was notified yesterday by the UCI about an unusual level of Testosterone/Epitestosterone ratio in the test made on Floyd Landis after stage 17 of the Tour de France," said the team in a statement. "The team management and the rider were both totally surprised of this physiological result.
"The rider will ask in the upcoming days for the counter analysis to prove either that this result is coming from a natural process or that this is resulting from a mistake in the confirmation. In application of the Pro Tour Ethical Code, the rider will not race anymore until this problem is totally clear.
"If the result of the B sample analysis confirms the result of the A sample, the rider will be dismissed and will then pass the corresponding endocrinological examinations."
The World Anti-Doping Agency has lowered the limit for the maximum T/E level from 6:1 to 4:1. Some athletes have naturally high levels, and can prove this through a series of tests.
Then a good pal of mine (just completed RAAM) sent this to a private group I'm on:
"First thought: cortisone could cause a positive depending on test protocols. This lab is known in the science world as one that doesn't have the cleanest methodology. We know that Floyd has been receiving treatments for his necrotic hip joint; who's to say what he was getting, in what quantities, and/or what the reaction would be with his already-naturally elevated test. levels (as a function of his body's response to the race)?....
Second thought: VERY FEW WADA testosterone claims have held up under scrutiny. Anabolics show very specific markers, and most endurance atheletes who have fought charges predicated solely on elevated testosterone have won.
Opinion:
I very much want to see Floyd with a clean victory.
If he really did it, I hope he gets flushed.
If he's proven innocent, the French media and L'equipe will never let it go.
God help WADA and that fool **** Pound if this turns negative. If that's the case, I hope Floyd sues him so deep into the poor-house that he ends up living in a van down by the river.
For god's sake, if you're a pro athlete and you want to do performance enhancing drugs, get into Major League Baseball....."
My opinion - I don't think Floyd would do it, how could he face his family? Mom would bust him good.....



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