PAU, France — A backup B sample confirms Frank Schleck tested positive for a banned diuretic at the Tour de France, but the Luxembourg rider insisted Friday he is not guilty of doping.
The RadioShack Nissan Trek leader was pulled from the Tour on Tuesday after the International Cycling Union said he tested positive for the banned diuretic Xipamide on July 14. He was in 12th place overall — 9 minutes, 45 seconds behind leader Bradley Wiggins.
The World Anti-Doping Agency defines “specified substances,” such as Xipamide, as “more susceptible to a credible, nondoping explanation.”
Bans for such substances are often shorter, and athletes have a better chance of proving they did not intend to consume it or enhance their performance.
Athletes who dope often take diuretics such as Xipamide to mask other banned performance enhancers or as a supplement for weight loss.
