Tyler Hamilton's future as a professional cyclist could well depend on the outcome of his three day hearing with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that begins today (Monday) in Denver, Colorado with a decision expected on March 12. Hamilton is hoping to prove that the scientific test used to detect blood doping, which was introduced in 2004, is not accurate enough to give a positive drug test.
In August and September of 2004, Hamilton failed three out of four tests that he was administered for homologous blood doping, with the fourth test result unable to be determined due to the freezing of the blood sample. Hamilton has strongly denied ever having a blood transfusion, which is indicated by such a positive test. His former teammate at Phonak, Santi Perez, also failed a test for homologous blood doping, and was yesterday given a two year suspension for doping by the Spanish Cycling Federation. He is expected to appeal that decision.
