Armstrong video: He might be banned from Tour de France

Lance Armstrong is saying that the French anti-doping agency may ban him from participating in this summer's Tour de France.

In a video posted on Livestrong.com, Armstrong says that the questions surrounding a March 17 drug control test in which he was out-of-sight of the tester for about 20 minutes could result in his being prohibited from racing.

“There's a very high likelihood that they'll prohibit me from riding in the Tour. …

“It's their event, their country and their rules so we have to play by those.”

Armstrong also said he's training everyday in Aspen, Colorado, and expects his collarbone injury to recover so he can participate in the Giro d'Italia next month.

Test

The controversy involves an out-of-competition doping control test administered on March 17 while he was training in France.

A tester from the French anti-doping control agency, AFLD, was waiting for him at his home when he and Team Astana manager Johan Bruyneel returned.

In the video, Armstrong said that the testers always pairs, never alone.

“It was odd. He was alone. … In 20 years of doing this, I've never seen a drug tester come alone. … They're always accompanied by somebody as a witness, or another source.”

Legit

While Bruyneel phoned around to check the tester's credentials, Armstrong said he went inside and took a shower. About 20 minutes later, when the tester's credentials were confirmed, Armstrong gave his blood, urine and hair.

The fact that Armstrong was out of sight of the tester for 20 minutes is crucial. The rules state the subject can't leave sight of the tester to prevent any tampering that may influence the results.

Rules

You can tell from his books and even his Twitter messages that Armstrong has bristled over the years at the frequent impositions of doping control. But he, more than anyone, should know and understand the rules for taking samples and abide by them.

Armstrong said the Tour de France is something that he loves dearly, and he was looking forward to trying to win it himself, or helping teammates Alberto Contador or Levi Leipheimer.

VeloNews and CyclingNews report the AFLD is opening a case against Armstrong for unprofessional behavior regarding violations of the dope-testing rules.

UCI President Pat McQuaid is backing Armstrong in the controversy.