PARIS, April 23 (UPI) -- U.S. cyclist Floyd Landis is disputing French laboratory tests that allegedly found synthetic testosterone in samples taken during the 2006 Tour de France.
Landis has contended that his urine samples taken during last year's Tour de France were mishandled. Allegations of high levels of testosterone tainted Landis's Tour victory last year and have led him to agree not to ride in this year's race -- the premier event in cycling.
The France newspaper L'Equipe reported that additional testing on the samples Sunday turned up synthetic testosterone. Landis' representative sent to observe the testing was not allowed to witness the testing process, a statement on Landis' Web site claimed.
French officials said it was on orders from the United States Anti-Doping Agency that Landis' representatives were barred.
Landis is scheduled to appear before a USADA arbitration board on May 14 and faces a two-year suspension if the doping charges are upheld. He would also be stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title.
