A BEMUSED Frank Schleck insists he has not taken an illegal substance despite testing positive for a banned drug, as was announced last night.
Schleck was withdrawn from the Tour de France by his RadioShack team as a result of the International Cycling Union announcing that the 32-year-old had tested positive to banned diuretic Xipamide on Saturday.
Xipamide is most commonly used for the treatment of oedema and hypertension. But the 32-year-old Luxembourgian is proclaiming his innocence and demanding his B sample be tested.
“I categorically deny taking any banned substance,” Schleck said. ”I have no explanation for the test result and therefore insist that the B sample be tested which is my right.
“If this analysis confirms the initial result, I will argue that I have been the victim of poisoning.”
Schleck was 12th overall, nine minutes and 45 seconds behind leader Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky), before the positive test result was announced. Despite his sensational departure from the Tour, Schleck’s team will continue to compete in the famous race.
