AFLD Accuses Lance Armstrong of Improper Sample Collection Etiquette

Lance Armstrong, the most tested man on Earth, was approached by surprise on March 17, 2009 by an French Anti-Doping Authority (AFLD) doctor demanding hair, blood, and urine as part of an out-of-competition test for prohibited substances.

Although hair tests are prohibited by WADA they are allowed in France. AFLD was looking for a testosterone precursor DHEA, a prohibited substance that seems to be abused with great frequency among French athletes. DHEA according to AFLD cannot be detected in blood or urine but may be detected in hair samples.

Apparently, during the collection process Mr. Armstrong interrogated the doctor demanding the samples because there seemed to be a problem with his credentials. According to L'Equipe, Mr. Armstrong was reported to have "asked questions" of the AFLD doctor to ascertain whether he were genuine or an impostor. Update: Apparently the questions were asked by Astana Sport Director Johan Bruyneel who telephoned UCI czarina Anne Gripper. Ms. Gripper confirmed the doctor and the out-of-competition test. Lance Armstrong claimed that he asked the doctor for permission to take a shower. Armstrong claims the doctor gave his permission for the shower. Lance Armstrong was alone and unobserved in the bathroom for twenty minutes.

The 3/17/08 out-of-competition test results were negative.

The laboratory doctor has filed a complaint with the AFLD citing a WADA regulation that stipulates that the athlete may not leave the presence of a doctor who is in the process of conducting an out-of-competition test. The AFLD is vowing to "punish" Lance Armstrong with some sort of ban from racing in France.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has taken a position of neutrality in this AFLD/Armstrong dispute until the AFLD writes an official report of condemnation. Then the UCI may support the ban and make it international.

Get Real People

The Anti-Doping Organizations could not be more plain, if they can't test Mr. Armstrong to death, last count was twenty-four competition and out-of-competition tests since he returned from retirement, they will find another way to preclude him from racing in the 2009 Tour de France or perhaps from racing again period.

But. Lance Armstrong should have known better than to absent himself in the shower when the doctor conducting the tests was present. This opens the Pandora Box and allows skeptics to wonder what he was doing in the bathroom? Tampering with his samples?

This story is still developing so hang on to your hats!

The Vampires Are Here Where Are You?

In other news the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wants athletes to be available for one hour every day for testing. The location of the athlete must be known to the IOC in advance. If a vampire shows up and the athlete is not instantly available this constitutes a missed test. Three missed tests in a year will result in a two year suspension. Some Olympic athletes complain that this amounts to one hour of house arrest. This one hour requirement seems unreasonable but in the suspect everyone of doping culture, what do you expect? Deal with it.