Irish cyclist in dispute over test on sample

A dispute has broken out between an Irish cyclist, Theresa Quinlan, and the governing body of her sport the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Quinlan, from Dublin, is currently seeking an injunction against the international cycling federation to prevent them from testing a B sample of her urine in a German laboratory in Cologne after the first A sample was tested in the now discredited Italian laboratory, Dederazione Medica Sportiva Italiana.

The previously International Olympic Committee (IOC) accredited Rome laboratory was suspended last October from carrying out urine analysis by court order after it was revealed that some Italian officials systematically and deliberately concealed positive findings, many of which related to top Italian soccer stars.

Quinlan, who became European Champion six months ago in Italy and was placed in the competition in the previous two years, was tested three hours after winning the Master's race and her sample subsequently sent to the Rome Laboratory for analysis.

The tests indicated an adverse finding for caffeine and a testosterone-epitestosterone ratio higher than the permitted level of 6:1. Her contention is that, in accordance with international federation regulations, both urine samples should be tested in the same laboratory.

According to the international federation, it is stated in their regulations that both analyses should be carried out at the same laboratory but claim that this regulation has been superceded by events surrounding the suspension of the Rome facility. They claim they are simply following IOC regulations in sending the B sample to Cologne.

"The UCI, as well as other federations, received information about new procedures," said UCI official Enrico de la Cassa. "They came directly from the IOC and are official. We received a letter on October 16th from the IOC, a couple of days after the laboratory was closed, saying that the Rome laboratory had been replaced with four other laboratories in Barcelona, Laussane, Cologne and Kreischa (Dresden). Cycling samples went to Cologne and football and horse racing went to Laussane etc. The officer for transfer is Dr Jordi Segura from the Barcelona laboratory.

"The letter came to us from the Medical Commission in the IOC - Prince Merode. In any case we have to carry out the counter analysis on the B sample and the Rome laboratory is closed . . ."

The Federation of Irish Cyclists (FIC) yesterday said that they are fully supporting Quinlan in her claim and have expressed that support to the international cycling authorities.

"We are aware of the situation. She is making the case and the federation are supporting her. We have supported her case and we'd have to say that we believe that lab (Rome) was tainted," said an Irish official. "We have been in touch with the international federation and they know where we stand."