UCI fights French agency claims of lapses in doping testing at Tour de France

GENEVA - The International Cycling Union compiled a strongly worded response rebuffing claims by France's anti-doping agency of lapses and favouritism in drug testing at this year's Tour de France.

The UCI's report singled out agency president Pierre Bordry for particular criticism, calling him "mischievous and misinformed," and having "abused his position" to undermine cycling.

It also said that the team of seven-time champion Lance Armstrong was tested more than others, countering the French agency's allegations that the American received preferential treatment.

The UCI says Astana riders were subjected to 81 doping tests, or more than 10 per cent of the total conducted for the three-week race. All race samples returned negative results.

The governing body of cycling defended its "comprehensive and robust" testing at the Tour, which was carried out in partnership with the French agency, known as the AFLD.

Tour riders were subjected to "the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art anti-doping program outside of the Olympic and Paralympic Games," the report said.

The report, which has been seen by The Associated Press, was compiled in response to a dossier of criticism written by the AFLD.

The French agency said some riders had received advance notice of doping tests, in contravention of the World Anti-Doping Agency code, and that some blood and urine samples were not handled correctly by UCI inspectors.

Its 10-page report was leaked to French media this month, days before Armstrong flew from the United States to Paris to take part in a publicity launch for the 2010 race.

The UCI said Thursday that the agency should have discussed feedback in confidence, and with the involvement of WADA.

"A true partner does not make assertions to the media before communicating them to their partner," the report stated. "However, with the UCI's reputation already shattered by Mr. Bordry's actions and rhetoric, there is no recourse but to set the record straight in the UCI's correction of his mischievous and misinformed statements,"

The report says that the French anti-doping authority has a reputation in world sports as being difficult to work with.

"The UCI is aware of at least three other major international federations who have experienced significant problems working with AFLD," it said.