Armstrong a target as drug tests ramped up in Oz

American Lance Armstrong will be among some of cycling's most high profile riders facing heightened doping scrutiny ahead of the 2009 Tour Down Under.

Armstrong a target as drug tests ramped up in Oz

American Lance Armstrong will be among some of cycling's most high profile riders facing heightened doping scrutiny ahead of the 2009 Tour Down Under.

The first stage race of the season begins Tuesday with most eyes on the seven-time Tour de France winner as he makes his professional comeback at the south Australian event after a three-year hiatus.

At the six-stage race here, the 37-year-old is likely to be one of many riders targeted by Australian anti-doping authorities as the International Cycling Union (UCI) and local organisers ramp up the fight against potential drugs cheats.

Ahead of the race each rider in the 187-strong peloton will face blood profiling as part of the UCI's 'blood passport' programme, and targeted blood and urine testing, said UCI anti-doping chief Anne Gripper.

The banned blood booster erythropoietin (EPO) and its variant CERA are particular targets, she said.

Human growth hormone will also be in the firing line, while blood and urine samples will be stored in deep freeze for a period of eight years at the Australian Anti Doping Authority to allow further testing in the future when technology allows, said Gripper.

Race chief Mike Turtur said he fully supported the UCI's proposals, made late last year, for a maximum ban of two to four years for first time offenders.

"I support any new measures to make it tough on drugs cheats," said Turtur, an Olympic track cycling gold medallist from 1984.

In its 11-year history the Tour Down Under has experienced no positive tests.

Armstrong has said he faced "12 out-of-competition controlled tests since September 1".

The cyclist throughout his career has been forced to battle many unfounded doping allegations, notably that he used EPO during his maiden Tour victory in 1999 - claims made by French sports paper L'Equipe days after his seventh victory in 2005.

However after announcing his comeback in September 2008, and in spite of the UCI's newest policies on doping, Armstrong rejected proposals by the French anti-doping authorities to re-test samples they had retained from his riding days.

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