France: Lance Armstrong Broke Doping Rules

(CBS/AP)  France's anti-doping agency said Thursday that seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong violated its rules and that it could punish him.

French doctors say they tested Armstrong's hair, urine and blood in a March 17 test. They say they found no traces of drugs.

However, the agency, known as AFLD, said in a statement Thursday that a doctor charged with testing Armstrong last month claimed Armstrong "did not respect the obligation to remain under the direct and permanent observation" of the tester.

The AFLD says it is can impose sanctions on the American rider, but didn't indicate what they would be.

Armstrong announced a decision in September last year to come out of retirement and compete in the 2009 Tour de France - his effort to claim a record eighth Tour victory.

Armstrong's return from cancer to win the Tour seven consecutive times (already a record) made him a hero to cancer patients worldwide and elevated cycling to an unprecedented level in America.

The Tour "is the intention," Armstrong's spokesman Mark Higgins told The Associated Press last autumn, "but we've got some homework to do over there."

[Henri_Rochard]

I don't see why the Frenchies have it in for Lance Armstrong. After all, his string of Tour victories have undoubtedly have increased the world-wide popularity of the Tour which equates to more tourism, etc., and, hence, more cash rolling into France.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. The French ought to award Armstrong the "Légion d'honneur".

I have to say, though, that I've enjoyed my two visits to France. The proper use of "s'il vous plait" and "merci" makes for pleasant interactions with the French.

[lloydbest1]

The French anti-doping agency claims Armstrong failed to "respect the obligation to remain under (their) direct and permanent observation". CNN reports claim that Armstong was absent for a period of about 14 hours doing (well, who knows what) and, according to them, Armstrong claims he sought out AND RECIEVED express permission from AFLD to absent himself from that supervision.

So....Who's lying, here?

[batchitcrazy]

I bet that Armstrong is a Republican. That is what they do and how they run their lives. Stealing and cheating. Otherwise they would have nothing.
Posted by noloyalisti at 9:16 AM : Apr 10, 2009
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now why you wanna go and bring politics into this?
And just what did he steal?
As for cheating... jesus, you must be french. Armstrong has probably been under the tightest scrutiny then any other competitor in the TdF. He has taken the title 7 times. Every year he was tested and retested. Results all negetive. Everytime a newer and more reliable test was developed, they even retested his older samples. Results? Still negative.
The french swear by their "Lourdes" but have a hard time believing that an American can win the TdF without cheating.

[johnb8888]

"screw the usa
Posted by bocboc200 "


Soosay mwa, franswah!

And Suck-hozy too.

[noloyalisti]

Yeah, but France has the best health care system in the world. A strong social safety net, time to enjoy life and they don 't go to bed at night worried about how many wars their psycho imperialistic government might start (or escalate).

[noloyalisti]

I bet that Armstrong is a Republican. That is what they do and how they run their lives. Stealing and cheating. Otherwise they would have nothing.

[batchitcrazy]

screw the usa
Posted by bocboc200 at 10:47 AM : Apr 9, 2009
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excuse me please, sorry to interrupt your train of thought here, you seem to have a small backlog of fecal matter in your cranium

[batchitcrazy]

No news here. Just another Texass crook getting caught. Everyone in the Cycling world has known him as the #1 cheater in a sport built by athletes but overtaken by chemists years ago. Posted by excoachken at 5:39 AM : Apr 9, 2009
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No news here just someone spouting off ungrounded inuendos. Numerous tests and no positive findings...
and as for him coming from Texas.... considering the other bonehead from the state, this is good news.....

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Not referring to this case but top American athletes are time and time again being caught taking performance enhancing drugs, its just a matter of time before they catch someone else. Posted by bob34y at 11:00 AM : Apr 9, 2009
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Where ever there is big money to be made you will find this trend. Not just US athletes. Every top sport in every country.... mans greed knows no boundaries


ONLY REDEEMING FACTOR IN TX

[DoubleHappiness88]

MON DIEU! QUEL EST PROCHAIN! ?

Poor France. First their wines were shown to be inferior to those of California, Chile and Australia in BLIND tastings by FRENCH JUDGES (2001).

Now this Texas upstart dares to repeatedly win a *FRENCH SPORT*.

[Do not tell the French but Chinese food is far superior to theirs.]

[endurorob]

Not referring to this case but top American athletes are time and time again being caught taking performance enhancing drugs, its just a matter of time before they catch someone else.
Posted by bob34y at 11:00 AM : Apr 9, 2009

The problem is not limited to American athletes.