The New York Times reported on July 31 that a second test conducted on the first sample, the A sample, indicated the presence of testosterone from a non-native source, meaning it wasn’t produced by Floyd’s body, but somehow introduced. If that’s true, it’s more troubling than just a high testosterone level — it means somebody was definitely tinkering with Floyd’s system.

If the finding is upheld by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Landis will be stripped of his Tour win, and will face a two-year suspension from cycling, in addition to another two-year ban from competing in the UCI’s top level, the ProTour.

Until we know the actual test results, it’s difficult to predict what Floyd’s defense might be if he wants to continue proclaiming innocence. A naturally high testosterone level wouldn’t be plausible, given the fact that Landis was tested on other days during the Tour and didn’t raise any red flags. (And, in fact, a single positive is inconsistent with how testosterone would be used in a doping program — it would be used over a period of weeks to speed recovery and muscle buildup during training, it wouldn’t be used mid-race where its benefits are negligible.)

And if the rumors that the testosterone came from an outside source are true, it’s going to be difficult to come up with a credible defense unless they can question the legitimacy of a lab that’s accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The fallout from this is sure to be tremendous. Phonak was already a troubled team — they were racing under a two-year provisional license by the UCI because of earlier doping charges against former riders.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

It’s going to pour additional fuel on the fire that was started by Operation Puerto, the Spanish sting operation that ousted nine riders from the Tour’s starting lineup including pre-race favorites Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso. And even if Floyd clears himself in court, he’s damaged goods, a rider without a team and someone sponsors are unlikely to court.

Earlier this week Oscar Pereiro, the Tour runner-up and Floyd’s good friend, stated if he were now crowned Tour champion it would only be an academic victory, that the proper way to win is on the Champs-Elysees. He’s right, and it’s a sad day for everyone who loves cycling, and sport, when competition is settled in court and not in the sporting arena.

VeloNews reported Landis’ attorney, Howard Jacobs, expects to see resolution of the case within four to six months. I imagine the impact will be felt long after that, and for some time to come. I still love cycling, but at a time like this I can’t say that I love the sport of cycling. And it’s tough to imagine anyone who would.

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