Related News
Astana probed for blood doping kits found during Tour
Source: Agencies |
December 25, 2009, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
BLOOD doping kits were discovered in a search of medical equipment belonging to Lance Armstrong's former Astana team during this year's Tour de France.
Blood transfusion is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The find was confirmed on Wednesday by a source close to a French judicial investigation.
The source stressed that the initial inquiry by a Paris magistrates' court was continuing and that it was premature to suggest the equipment might constitute illegal activity.
The court in Paris opened its inquiry in July after the discovery during the Tour de France won by Armstrong's teammate Alberto Contador of medical equipment such as "syringes and perfusions".
The source added: "No trace of any doping product has for the time being been uncovered by the analysis of this material" belonging to Astana.
According to Le Monde newspaper antihypertensives (drugs that reduce high blood pressure) were also found at Astana during the search. These drugs are not banned but can be used to treat hypertension associated with the practise of blood transfusions or the administering of the banned blood booster EPO.
Analysis of other products and equipment taken by investigators is continuing, the source said, adding that tests had indicated "seven different genetic profiles". Identification of these profiles can only be made if and when the International Cycling Union hands over riders' blood profiles to French justice.
Contador will race for Astana next year.
Blood transfusion is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The find was confirmed on Wednesday by a source close to a French judicial investigation.
The source stressed that the initial inquiry by a Paris magistrates' court was continuing and that it was premature to suggest the equipment might constitute illegal activity.
The court in Paris opened its inquiry in July after the discovery during the Tour de France won by Armstrong's teammate Alberto Contador of medical equipment such as "syringes and perfusions".
The source added: "No trace of any doping product has for the time being been uncovered by the analysis of this material" belonging to Astana.
According to Le Monde newspaper antihypertensives (drugs that reduce high blood pressure) were also found at Astana during the search. These drugs are not banned but can be used to treat hypertension associated with the practise of blood transfusions or the administering of the banned blood booster EPO.
Analysis of other products and equipment taken by investigators is continuing, the source said, adding that tests had indicated "seven different genetic profiles". Identification of these profiles can only be made if and when the International Cycling Union hands over riders' blood profiles to French justice.
Contador will race for Astana next year.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
