Re: Breaking news
His A sample showed unusually high levels of testosterone. They're currently testing his B sample (they take two samples from riders when they're tested) to see if it shows the same levels, and whether those levels have been artificially induced.
Higher levels of testosterone aren't illegal, but artificially inducing them is. It's the same with a higher hematocrit level... the body can naturally elevate that, but when you artificially induce that elevation through transfusions, EPO, etc... then it's considered doping.
So he could be guilty. But he could also be innocent. It all depends on the result of the B sample test, and what, exactly caused the elevation in testosterone levels.
Also, it's worth noting that five riders who were barred from riding in the tour due to a Spanish doping investigation have been fully exonerated. The exclusion of those riders, who turned out to be innocent, essentially dropped one entire team from the tour, a team that had a legitimate shot at winning with Alexander Vinokurov, who wasn't implicated at all.
The results of the A sample aren't in question, either. It showed elevated levels of testosterone. The B sample will be tested, and if it shows an artificial stimulus to explain the elevated testosterone levels, Landis doped. Science is objective like that.
Interestingly enough, France has some of the most stringent anti-doping policies for its athletes. Makes you wonder.
