USA Cycling confirmed it had referred Tour de France champion Floyd Landis's doping case to the US Anti-Doping Agency.
COLORADO SPRINGS: USA Cycling confirmed it had referred Tour de France champion Floyd Landis's doping case to the US Anti-Doping Agency.
The news came after the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced that analysis of the B sample provided by Landis after stage 17 of the Tour de France confirmed the A sample positive result for excessive levels of testosterone.
"The UCI has requested USA Cycling begin disciplinary procedures," a statement from the US federation said.
"As required by its charter with the US Olympic Committee, USA Cycling has formally referred this case to the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) as the organization solely responsible for the adjudication of anti-doping cases involving American athletes in the Olympic movement.
"USADA is responsible for opening a formal disciplinary procedure against Landis based on the analysis and subsequent positive result of both the "A" and the "B" samples," the statement said.
Landis, who could become the first cyclist to be stripped of the coveted Tour de France title, has denied using performance enhancing drugs and vowed to fight to clear his name."
Until USADA has completed the adjudication process, which could eventually include arbitration, USA Cycling will not comment further on the case, the federation said.
"To maintain the same level of sensitivity and respect for both the rights of all athletes and due process as the Landis case enters the formal disciplinary phase, we will continue to refrain from comment until USADA reaches a final determination and all appeals are exhausted," said Steve Johnson, chief executive of USA Cycling.
However, Johnson did take the opportunity to reaffirm the federation's zero-tolerance policy on doping.
"Fair play is paramount in maintaining the integrity of our sport and the athletes who participate in it at any level and discipline," Johnson said. "USA Cycling will simply not tolerate doping in our sport to protect the reputation of all athletes who practice the Olympic ideals."
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