FRANCE: TESTS TAKEN DURING LAST YEAR'S TOUR DE FRANCE HAVE CLEARED LANCE ARMSTRONG AND HIS U.S. POSTAL TEAM MATES OF USING ILLEGAL DRUGS

Record ID: 649239

  • Title: FRANCE: TESTS TAKEN DURING LAST YEAR'S TOUR DE FRANCE HAVE CLEARED LANCE ARMSTRONG AND HIS U.S. POSTAL TEAM MATES OF USING ILLEGAL DRUGS
  • Date: 9th April 2001
  • Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (APRIL 9, 2001) 1. FILE OF ARMSTRONG IN IN ACTION (REUTERS) 2. ARMSTRONG SAYS : " I'm very happy to report today that we have received confirmation that the results of the testing of our urine samples have proven to be negative and the truth has now been borne out by science." 3. ARMSTRONG EXERCISING 4. The bad news is we were called under scrutiny for four months, the good news is that we've had an opportunity to clear our name forever." Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 24th April 2001 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: PARIS, FRANCE
  • Country: France
  • Reuters ID: LVAB9GFF5KXOB3NWFDSA204HS1KG
  • Story Text: Urine tests taken during last year's Tour de France
    have cleared two-times race winner Lance Armstrong and his
    U.S. Postal team mates of using illegal drugs, the American
    rider told a press conference on Monday.



    The U.S. Postal team and Armstrong are under judicial
    investigation in France linked to performance-enhancing drugs.

    Armstrong, though, said the test results showed the team had
    not been guilty of any wrong-doing.

    "I am very happy we have received confirmation that the
    results of the testing of our urine samples have proved to be
    negative, They did not contain EPO or any other banned
    substance, as we already knew," said a relaxed-looking
    Armstrong.

    "As we have always said, neither I nor the team have ever
    taken illegal performance-enhancing substances. The truth has
    been borne out by science."
    Armstrong said he and his team welcomed any further tests
    to clear their names, adding that he hoped the investigation
    would soon be over.

    "I have been fairly treated in the process and I have made
    myself available. I would like to reaffirm that I and my team
    are willing to co-operate in the process," Armstrong added.

    The Texan said he and his team supported the immediate
    release of frozen blood samples from the headquarters of the
    International Cycling Union (UCI) in Lausanne. The samples are
    to be transferred to France for use in further tests for
    banned substances.

    Stamina-boosting erythropoietin (EPO), the banned drug at
    the centre of the 1998 Tour de France drugs scandal,
    stimulates the production of red blood cells which carry
    oxygen around the body. The red blood cells act as a quick
    shot in the arm to replace altitude training.


  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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