Jul 27, 2006
In Defense of Landis
Floyd Landis’ higher than normal testoterone positive drug test could be defended. There are several factors which lead to this positive test. The first is the fact that WADA recently lowered the threshold of testosterone:
The World Anti-Doping Agency has lowered the limit for the maximum T/E level from 6:1 to 4:1. Some athletes have naturally high levels, and can prove this through a series of tests.
–Cyclingnews via Matt Howey on OCC Listserv
The second case is that Landis’ Stage 17 breakaway to Morzine could have raised his testoserone levels just because of the type of effort that was involved.
“If drug testing occurs in close proximity to the completion of a
testosterone enhancing workout, testosterone levels and the
testosterone:epitestosterone ratio could be inflated beyond the nanoscopic
tolerances allowed in drug testing.”“The characteristics of a testosterone provoking resistance workout are high
volume, moderate to high intensity, short rest intervals, and the use of
large muscle masses. The protocol should provide frequent bouts of
glycolytic work. This type of workout stimulation is commonly employed by
“natural” body builders.”More info via via Matt Howey on OCC Listserv
The day long breakaway where Landis was pushing huge watts up some tough climbs could have contibuted to increasing Landis’ Testosterone output. According to the above site. The reading may be unusually high right after the effort which is when the drug testing would occur.
Compared to other cases of doping or positive drug tests, this might have an easier way out. There are lots of cases that could give a higher than normal reading without using illicit methods.
Hmmm, let’s see. All the other days on the tour are pretty damn strenuous and he never tested positive those days. I would think 5 hours in the saddle at 30mph would qualify, no matter what the day is.
His test just so happens to coincide with the single greatest comeback ride in tour history and we are supposed to believe it was pure happenstance that he had elevated testosterone levels on that day?
Will be interesting to see how it plays out…