The French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) said today that Lance Armstrong violated anti-doping rules during a random test in Southern France and might face disciplinary action.
Upon returning from a training ride, he was apparently approached by a UCI tester requesting blood, hair and urine samples.  Armstrong questioned the identity of the tester and asked if he and Johan Bruyneel could call the UCI to confirm that the tester was legitimate.  In the meantime, according to Armstrong, he asked the tester if he could run inside and shower, to which the tester agreed.
The “foul” here is that during a test, the athlete is supposed to stay in direct and immediate contact with the tester so as to avoid any opportunity to tamper with samples.
“I did not try to evade or delay the testing process that day,” Armstrong said in a statement earlier this week. “I had just returned from an all day training session, wasn’t sure who this French man at my home was, and as soon as the UCI confirmed that he was authorized to conduct the tests, I let him take all the samples he requested.”
According to the UCI, the AFLD has the right to issue disciplinary action since the event occurred on French soil, but any ban or penalty would only be in place for French cycling events.  Well, that would mean the Tour de France, and that would just make the ASO’s (Amaury Sport Organisation, the Tour organizer) day since they’ve already said Armstrong’s return would be “embarrassing.”
Full story from Yahoo Sports.  Hit “more” to see the full AFLD rule regarding testing…
5.4 Requirements for notification of AthletesÂÂ
5.4.1 When initial contact is made, the ADO, DCO or Chaperone, as applicable, shall ensure that the Athlete and/or a third party (if required in accordance with Clause 5.3.8) is informed:
a) That the Athlete is required to undergo a Sample collection;
b) Of the authority under which the Sample collection is to be conducted;
c) Of the type of Sample collection and any conditions that need to be adhered to prior to the Sample collection;
d) Of the Athlete’s rights, including the right to:
i. Have a representative and if available, an interpreter;
ii. Ask for additional information about the Sample collection process;
iii. Request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for valid reasons; and
iv. Request modifications as provided for in Annex B – Modifications for Athletes with disabilities.
e) Of the Athlete’s responsibilities, including the requirement to:
i. Remain within direct observation of the DCO/Chaperone at all times from the point of notification by the DCO/Chaperone until the completion of the Sample collection procedure;
Rule 5.4.1, International Standard for Testing, January 2009
