After two years on the United States Postal Service Pro Cycling Team
Benoit Joachim had his contract terminated for “testing positive for
nandrolone after winning the Luxembourg National Championship on June 25.”
Immeadiately trying to distance themselves from the rider and keep their
clean team reputation intact US Postal’s press release states “Joachim was
competing on his own and was without any staff support at his country’s
National Championships.” “We are extremely disappointed in Benoit’s
judgment regarding this matter,” “Our team has always maintained a zero
tolerance policy regarding the use of banned substances, and all of the
team’s riders and staff are aware of that position. We remain committed to
fielding the best team in the world but will not compromise our high
standards and integrity.”
Johan Bruyneel, the USPS team’s Director Sportif added “Benoit claims to
me that he is innocent and that he doesn’t understand what happened.” “I
would like to believe him, but we cannot tolerate any doubts. Anyone who
doesn’t follow the rules has to assume the consequences of his acts.”
Hard words indeed, but after the attempted smear campaigns by the French
press regarding team leader Lance Armstrong’s dominating performances in the
Tour, USPS have to be seen to be totally intollerant of any substance abuse
by their riders.
In the mean time Joachim could lose his national title, receive a
six-month suspension from the Luxembourg Federation and be fined but at least
he’ll presumably be much better at lifitng heavy objects in the meantime.
Share