I'm out.
See y'all later... Enjoy your Saturday! :victory:
See y'all later... Enjoy your Saturday! :victory:
Got Something You Want To Say?
Started by ahochaude · 23 Nov 2003 · 35,048 replies
General Discussion
![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/w3bhead/AnewuseforyouroldPC.jpg){kind=link}
Now that Floyd Landis' B sample has come back positive, I'd just like to say that this year's Tour de France has been a complete disgrace. The entire sport of cycling should be suspended for a year so they can reflect on their conduct! :)
Landis backup test also positive; Tour de France title in jeopardy
By JEROME PUGMIRE, AP Sports Writer
August 5, 2006
AP - Aug 5, 5:06 am EDT
More Photos
PARIS (AP) -- Floyd Landis was fired by his team and the Tour de France no longer considered him its champion Saturday after his second doping sample tested positive for higher-than-allowable levels of testosterone.
The samples contained synthetic testosterone, indicating that it came from an outside source.
"I have received a text message from Chatenay-Malabry lab that indicates the 'B' sample of Floyd Landis' urine confirms testosterone was taken in an exogenous way," Pierre Bordry, who heads the French anti-doping council, told The Associated Press shortly after the "B" sample results were released.
Lab head Jacques De Ceaurriz said the isotope testing procedure was "foolproof."
"No error is possible in isotopic readings," he told the AP.
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Landis had claimed the testosterone was "natural and produced by my own organism," and once again maintained his innocence.
"I have never taken any banned substance, including testosterone," he said in a statement. "I was the strongest man at the Tour de France, and that is why I am the champion.
"I will fight these charges with the same determination and intensity that I bring to my training and racing. It is now my goal to clear my name and restore what I worked so hard to achieve."
The Swiss-based team Phonak immediately severed ties with Landis, and the UCI said it would ask USA Cycling to open disciplinary proceedings against him.
"Landis will be dismissed without notice for violating the team's internal Code of Ethics," Phonak said in a statement. "Landis will continue to have legal options to contest the findings. However, this will be his personal affair, and the Phonak team will no longer be involved in that."
Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said Landis no longer was considered champion, but the decision to strip him of his title rests with the International Cycling Union.
"It goes without saying that for us Floyd Landis is no longer the winner of the 2006 Tour de France," Prudhomme told the AP in a telephone interview. "Our determination is even stronger now to fight against doping and to defend this magnificent sport."
Prudhomme said runner-up Oscar Pereiro of Spain would be the likely new winner.
"We can't imagine a different outcome," Prudhomme said.
AP - Aug 5, 5:04 am EDT
More Photos
If stripped of the title, Landis would become the first winner in the 103-year history of cycling's premier race to lose his Tour crown over doping allegations.
UCI lawyer Philippe Verbiest said Landis would officially remain Tour champion pending the U.S. disciplinary process, which involves a series of steps:
Documentation from the positive tests will be forwarded to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which gives the evidence to a review panel. The panel will make a recommendation to USADA, which would decide if a penalty -- likely a two-year ban -- is appropriate. That decision is forwarded to USA Cycling, the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Landis can accept the decision or begin an appeals process, which can take up to six months.
"Until he is found guilty or admits guilt, he will keep the yellow jersey," he said. "This is normal. You are not sanctioned before you are found guilty."
The results of the second test come nearly two weeks after he stood atop the winner's podium on the Champs-Elysees in the champion's yellow jersey.
Testosterone, a male sex hormone, helps build muscle and improve stamina. The urine tests were done July 20 after Landis' Stage 17 victory during a grueling Alpine leg, when he regained nearly eight minutes against then-leader Pereiro -- and went on to win the three-week race.
The tests turned up a testosterone/epitestosterone ratio of 11:1 -- far in excess of the 4:1 limit.
"It's incredibly disappointing," three-time Tour winner Greg LeMond said by phone from the starting line at the Pan Mass Challenge in Sturbridge, Mass. "I don't think he has much chance at all to try to prove his innocence."
The case is expected to go to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; the process could take months, possibly with appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"It doesn't end here," said Landis' Spanish lawyer, Jose Maria Buxeda. "What matters is the concept. A prohibited substance has been found in the samples, but no immediate sanction comes into effect yet. The rider will defend himself."
Landis, a 30-year-old former mountain biker, says he was tested eight other times during the three-week tour and those results came back negative.
Landis has hired high-profile American lawyer Howard Jacobs, who has represented several athletes in doping cases.
AP - Aug 5, 5:03 am EDT
More Photos
Jacobs plans to go after the UCI for allegedly leaking information regarding the sample testing.
Earlier this week, a New York Times report cited a source from the UCI saying that a second analysis of Landis' "A" sample by carbon isotope ratio testing had detected synthetic testosterone -- meaning it was ingested.
"The offense is complete," World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound said. "All that remains to be seen is what the sanction is.
"A doping offense occurs when a presence of a prohibited substance is detected in the urine or blood analysis. That's been done," he said.
Since the Phonak team was informed of the positive test on July 27, Landis and his defense team have offered various explanations for the high testosterone reading -- including cortisone shots taken for pain in Landis' degenerating hip; drinking beer and whiskey the night before; thyroid medication; and his natural metabolism.
Another theory -- dehydration -- was rebuffed by anti-doping experts.
"When I heard it was synthetic hormone, it is almost impossible to be caused by natural events. It's kind of a downer," said LeMond, the first American to win the Tour. "I feel for Floyd's family. I hope Floyd will come clean on it and help the sport. We need to figure out how to clean the sport up, and we need the help of Floyd."
In Murrietta, Calif., where Landis lives, an AP reporter was asked by police to leave the gated community when she attempted to approach his house. Several cars were parked in front, and the blinds were drawn.
A man who said he was a friend of the family, but didn't want his name used, answered the phone at the Landis' house and confirmed the cyclist was there.
"We're drinking some coffee, and that's about it," he said.
AP - Aug 5, 4:56 am EDT
More Photos
Despite the latest test results a sign at a nearby freeway exit said, "Welcome Home Floyd Landis, 2006 Tour de France Winner."
In Lancaster County, Pa., where Landis was raised in a conservative Mennonite home, neighbors vowed their support.
"All he has accomplished, he has attained through his hard work and discipline. We are very confident he will prove his innocence. It is very unfortunate that these tests were revealed before he had a chance to do so," said Tammy Martin, a longtime family friend.
Paul and Arlene Landis, who have supported their son since the doping scandal broke, were out of town on a previously scheduled vacation.
A note on their door said, "God Bless, Went Camping."
Associated Press Writers Jamey Keaten, Jean-Luc Courthial in Paris, Erica Bulman in Geneva, Allison Hoffman in Murrietta, Calif. and Michael Rubinkam in Ephrata, Pa.; and Sports Writers Vinay Cherwoo in New York and Steve Wilson in London contributed to this report.
By JEROME PUGMIRE, AP Sports Writer
August 5, 2006
AP - Aug 5, 5:06 am EDT
More Photos
PARIS (AP) -- Floyd Landis was fired by his team and the Tour de France no longer considered him its champion Saturday after his second doping sample tested positive for higher-than-allowable levels of testosterone.
The samples contained synthetic testosterone, indicating that it came from an outside source.
"I have received a text message from Chatenay-Malabry lab that indicates the 'B' sample of Floyd Landis' urine confirms testosterone was taken in an exogenous way," Pierre Bordry, who heads the French anti-doping council, told The Associated Press shortly after the "B" sample results were released.
Lab head Jacques De Ceaurriz said the isotope testing procedure was "foolproof."
"No error is possible in isotopic readings," he told the AP.
ADVERTISEMENT
Landis had claimed the testosterone was "natural and produced by my own organism," and once again maintained his innocence.
"I have never taken any banned substance, including testosterone," he said in a statement. "I was the strongest man at the Tour de France, and that is why I am the champion.
"I will fight these charges with the same determination and intensity that I bring to my training and racing. It is now my goal to clear my name and restore what I worked so hard to achieve."
The Swiss-based team Phonak immediately severed ties with Landis, and the UCI said it would ask USA Cycling to open disciplinary proceedings against him.
"Landis will be dismissed without notice for violating the team's internal Code of Ethics," Phonak said in a statement. "Landis will continue to have legal options to contest the findings. However, this will be his personal affair, and the Phonak team will no longer be involved in that."
Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said Landis no longer was considered champion, but the decision to strip him of his title rests with the International Cycling Union.
"It goes without saying that for us Floyd Landis is no longer the winner of the 2006 Tour de France," Prudhomme told the AP in a telephone interview. "Our determination is even stronger now to fight against doping and to defend this magnificent sport."
Prudhomme said runner-up Oscar Pereiro of Spain would be the likely new winner.
"We can't imagine a different outcome," Prudhomme said.
AP - Aug 5, 5:04 am EDT
More Photos
If stripped of the title, Landis would become the first winner in the 103-year history of cycling's premier race to lose his Tour crown over doping allegations.
UCI lawyer Philippe Verbiest said Landis would officially remain Tour champion pending the U.S. disciplinary process, which involves a series of steps:
Documentation from the positive tests will be forwarded to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which gives the evidence to a review panel. The panel will make a recommendation to USADA, which would decide if a penalty -- likely a two-year ban -- is appropriate. That decision is forwarded to USA Cycling, the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Landis can accept the decision or begin an appeals process, which can take up to six months.
"Until he is found guilty or admits guilt, he will keep the yellow jersey," he said. "This is normal. You are not sanctioned before you are found guilty."
The results of the second test come nearly two weeks after he stood atop the winner's podium on the Champs-Elysees in the champion's yellow jersey.
Testosterone, a male sex hormone, helps build muscle and improve stamina. The urine tests were done July 20 after Landis' Stage 17 victory during a grueling Alpine leg, when he regained nearly eight minutes against then-leader Pereiro -- and went on to win the three-week race.
The tests turned up a testosterone/epitestosterone ratio of 11:1 -- far in excess of the 4:1 limit.
"It's incredibly disappointing," three-time Tour winner Greg LeMond said by phone from the starting line at the Pan Mass Challenge in Sturbridge, Mass. "I don't think he has much chance at all to try to prove his innocence."
The case is expected to go to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; the process could take months, possibly with appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"It doesn't end here," said Landis' Spanish lawyer, Jose Maria Buxeda. "What matters is the concept. A prohibited substance has been found in the samples, but no immediate sanction comes into effect yet. The rider will defend himself."
Landis, a 30-year-old former mountain biker, says he was tested eight other times during the three-week tour and those results came back negative.
Landis has hired high-profile American lawyer Howard Jacobs, who has represented several athletes in doping cases.
AP - Aug 5, 5:03 am EDT
More Photos
Jacobs plans to go after the UCI for allegedly leaking information regarding the sample testing.
Earlier this week, a New York Times report cited a source from the UCI saying that a second analysis of Landis' "A" sample by carbon isotope ratio testing had detected synthetic testosterone -- meaning it was ingested.
"The offense is complete," World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound said. "All that remains to be seen is what the sanction is.
"A doping offense occurs when a presence of a prohibited substance is detected in the urine or blood analysis. That's been done," he said.
Since the Phonak team was informed of the positive test on July 27, Landis and his defense team have offered various explanations for the high testosterone reading -- including cortisone shots taken for pain in Landis' degenerating hip; drinking beer and whiskey the night before; thyroid medication; and his natural metabolism.
Another theory -- dehydration -- was rebuffed by anti-doping experts.
"When I heard it was synthetic hormone, it is almost impossible to be caused by natural events. It's kind of a downer," said LeMond, the first American to win the Tour. "I feel for Floyd's family. I hope Floyd will come clean on it and help the sport. We need to figure out how to clean the sport up, and we need the help of Floyd."
In Murrietta, Calif., where Landis lives, an AP reporter was asked by police to leave the gated community when she attempted to approach his house. Several cars were parked in front, and the blinds were drawn.
A man who said he was a friend of the family, but didn't want his name used, answered the phone at the Landis' house and confirmed the cyclist was there.
"We're drinking some coffee, and that's about it," he said.
AP - Aug 5, 4:56 am EDT
More Photos
Despite the latest test results a sign at a nearby freeway exit said, "Welcome Home Floyd Landis, 2006 Tour de France Winner."
In Lancaster County, Pa., where Landis was raised in a conservative Mennonite home, neighbors vowed their support.
"All he has accomplished, he has attained through his hard work and discipline. We are very confident he will prove his innocence. It is very unfortunate that these tests were revealed before he had a chance to do so," said Tammy Martin, a longtime family friend.
Paul and Arlene Landis, who have supported their son since the doping scandal broke, were out of town on a previously scheduled vacation.
A note on their door said, "God Bless, Went Camping."
Associated Press Writers Jamey Keaten, Jean-Luc Courthial in Paris, Erica Bulman in Geneva, Allison Hoffman in Murrietta, Calif. and Michael Rubinkam in Ephrata, Pa.; and Sports Writers Vinay Cherwoo in New York and Steve Wilson in London contributed to this report.
Well...this sucks one way or another. It seems more conclusive that Landis did take something...but I doubted since this broke whether it really helped him or not considering how late it was used in the race...normally that stuff has to build up for a while in the system.
But I guess rules are rules and atheletes shouldn't dope. They're probably going to be berating him even when he goes in to have his hip replaced.
What a...ah...unfortunate name.
But I guess rules are rules and atheletes shouldn't dope. They're probably going to be berating him even when he goes in to have his hip replaced.
World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound
What a...ah...unfortunate name.
š wrote:Now that Floyd Landis' B sample has come back positive, I'd just like to say that this year's Tour de France has been a complete disgrace. The entire sport of cycling should be suspended for a year so they can reflect on their conduct! :)
along with Major League Baseball....who's leadership didn't even have the balls to test ppl for drugs years and years......cuz they would rather suck a steriod-filled cock for some money = their one true god.
kitakaze wrote:
World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound
What a...ah...unfortunate name.
LOL...aw man that's dayem funneeh
Hey BMW, Tony Stark makes an appearance in this month's issue of New X-Men. I just got it in the mail.
[image]
http://www.popcultureshock.com/reviews.php?id=5662
[image]
![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Kitakaze/comics/5662_1.jpg){kind=link}
http://www.popcultureshock.com/reviews.php?id=5662
kitakaze wrote:Hey BMW, Tony Stark makes an appearance in this month's issue of New X-Men. I just got it in the mail.
[image]
http://www.popcultureshock.com/reviews.php?id=5662
what other comics are you into?
there are some american comics that i am familar with, but i'm mainly into Japanese manga/anime
kitakaze wrote:Hey BMW, Tony Stark makes an appearance in this month's issue of New X-Men. I just got it in the mail.
[image]
http://www.popcultureshock.com/reviews.php?id=5662
Haven't bought a comic book in a couple of years: Iron Man changed artists from Sean Chen to another guy who can't draw, IMO... And judging from that cover, it looks like the same guy... :sweat:
bmwracer wrote:
Haven't bought a comic book in a couple of years: Iron Man changed artists from Sean Chen to another guy who can't draw, IMO... And judging from that cover, it looks like the same guy... :sweat:
Differences in taste then? I like Medina's style...but he's been drawing New X-Men the past 2+ years.
kitakaze wrote:Differences in taste then? I like Medina's style...but he's been drawing New X-Men the past 2+ years.
I guess my being a techno-dweeb and Iron Man being a product of technology, Sean Chen's artwork fits Iron Man to a tee... All others (aside from Gene Colan back in the 60's) are one or more steps behind. :)
bmwracer wrote:
I guess my being a techno-dweeb and Iron Man being a product of technology, Sean Chen's artwork fits Iron Man to a tee... All others (aside from Gene Colan back in the 60's) are one or more steps behind. :)
Sean Chen did some work on the X-Men and Wolverine too. He's definitely a good artist.
I have to say that my favorite artists right now are still Jae Lee, Steve Pugh, John Cassaday, John Byrne, Billy Tan. Although, I am really digging Dennis Calero who's doing X-Factor right now.
I think the only artist I hated was Rob Leifeld. That guy just can't draw. He ruined New Mutants, turning it into X-Force. He made Wolfsbane look like some retarted ape instead of a half-wolf.
kitakaze wrote:I think the only artist I hated was Rob Leifeld. That guy just can't draw. He ruined New Mutants, turning it into X-Force. He made Wolfsbane look like some retarted ape instead of a half-wolf.
LOL, I never liked Leifeld's artwork either... In some circles, he's considered a wunderkind...
bmwracer wrote:
LOL, I never liked Leifeld's artwork either... In some circles, he's considered a wunderkind...
He does have some good qualities, like plotting, but he needs to get someone else to draw...here's and example of his recent horrible artwork....
[image]
![[image]](http://www.sequentialtart.com/archive/july00/images/0700/bb_1.jpg){kind=link}
Captain America has man-boobs! I mean, where's his arms?! Here's a thought Rob, buy Hogarth's Dynamic Anatomy. It'll help, trust me.
looks like he orderd the F set takoyaki.
krim wrote: F set takoyaki.
flamer setto
kitakaze wrote:Here's a thought Rob, buy Hogarth's Dynamic Anatomy. It'll help, trust me.
LOL, maybe you could recommend some adult school classes in anatomical drawing. :hehe: :hehe:
bmwracer wrote:
LOL, maybe you could recommend some adult school classes in anatomical drawing. :hehe: :hehe:
I could name a few that specialize in Northern California hippie chicks....
![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/w3bhead/monsterkitty_and_domokun.jpg){kind=link}
![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/w3bhead/tim.jpg){kind=link}
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