Can I Get a Witness! May 15, 2007
Posted by Steve in : Tour De France , add a commentFor you non-cycling fans, join us as we review the day to day deliberations inthe Floyd Landis “doping” hearing…..catch all the best and timeliest Landis updates at Trust But Verify
Is he guilty and a cheater whose time is up? Or is he innocent and is being railroaded by an out-of-control authority? Stay tuned right here….
In Tuesday’s deliberations on the Floyd Landis case, a number of potential witnesses names’ were released (more than 40 in total-mostly technical witnesses about lab procedures and analysis procedures), including Eddy Merckx, Allan Lim (a Landis coach), Greg LeMond and John Eustice (retired cyclist). Lemond will be the most interesting and potentially provide the most fireworks, IMHO. You will remember that LeMond has been openly skeptical about Lance Armstrong’s statements that he was able to win seven straight Tours without doping. LeMond also is believed to have spoken with Landis by phone in the days after his positive tests became public. In addtion, the USDA will likely call up retired cyclist, Joe Papp, who is expected to testify how he benefited from testosterone usage during his racing career.
HOW DOES IT ALL WORK IN THE HEARING AT PEPPERDINE?
The San Jose Mercury News states that the hearing is set up with a three-member arbitration panel that will conduct the hearing under the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrators are Richard McLaren, a Montreal lawyer appointed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; Bay Area lawyer Christopher L. Campbell, who was picked by Floyd Landis’ attorneys, and Patrice Brunet, a Canadian lawyer chosen by McLaren and Campbell as a neutral arbitrator. The format loosely follows U.S. court procedures. Both sides will make opening arguments and then present evidence and expert witnesses. All witnesses must answer questions from arbitrators and the other party. The panel is expected to rule in June. Many expect the ruling to be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose decisions are binding.
BBC Radio 4: Are There Statistical Weaknesses in Drug Testing? November 8, 2006
Posted by Steve in : Weblog , 1 comment so farWhere is the WADA when you need a comment? On November 6, BBC Radio 4 casted doubts on today’s testosterone testing, having investigated statistical weaknesses in the testing regime for drugs in sport. One athlete interviewed for the program who had initially been suspected of taking testosterone was finally cleared last week.
The presenter, Andrew Dilnot said “The cyclist Floyd Landis is also contesting the allegation that he too took testosterone to enhance his apparently winning performance in the Tour de France. “While we (BBC) have no idea of Landis’ guilt or innocence and would not speculate, is there anything in the argument that testosterone can reach suspicious levels for natural reasons? “What we found in our investigations was reason to concern us both about the plight of the innocent and our chances of catching the guilty.”Apparently they sought comment from the WADA about these problems in testing for thier show. The reponse?
“No one is available” said the WADA– can you believe it? Quite amazing after “shoot from the hip” Dick Pound erupted every other day after the Tour de France to blast Landis and Tour organizers.
