Armstrong accused of violating anti-doping rules

Paris, France (Sports Network) - Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has been accused of violating anti-doping rules during a test following a training session in southern France last month.

The French anti-doping agency (AFLD) released a statement Thursday, saying Armstrong "did not meet the obligation to remain under direct observation of the person responsible for the control" of the test.

Armstrong, making a comeback after a 3 1/2-year retirement, has denied any wrongdoing from the March 17 test, during which time a 20-minute delay in the procedure is at issue.

When reports of a possible violation circulated in France earlier this week, Armstrong on Tuesday released a statement saying, "I did not try to evade or delay the testing process that day.

"I had just returned from an all-day training session, wasn't sure who this French man at my home was, and as soon as the UCI (International Cycling Union) confirmed that he was authorized to conduct the test, I let him take all the samples he requested."

Armstrong added that he was granted permission by the tester to take a shower while Astana manager Johan Bruyneel waited with the tester to confirm his credentials.

The tests -- urine, blood and hair samples -- all came back negative.

Armstrong indicated that the forms he signed included a provision for the tester to state if there were any irregularities from the process and he wrote "no." The laboratory, however, decided to investigate the 20-minute delay.

The AFLD did not state whether it will seek sanctions against Armstrong, who has had numerous difficulties with the French anti-doping agency.

Armstrong won the first of his seven straight Tour de France crowns in 1999 and the last in 2005, announcing his retirement shortly after the final title.

The French newspaper, L'Equipe, reported in August 2005 that six of Armstrong's urine samples from 1999, tested in 2004, came back positive for EPO -- a hormone that increases red globules and allows a better muscular oxygenation.

In May of 2006, a Dutch lawyer in charge of investigating those allegations, cleared Armstrong of any wrongdoing.

Armstrong has always denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs.