In order to exclude the potential risk of a false positive test result for EPO, the Spanish laboratory in charge of the counter-analysis of Roberto Heras' positive A sample will collaborate with two other laboratories also accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). As Spanish Marca reported, the B sample taken after the Alcala de Henares time trial - one day prior to Heras' record-breaking fourth Vuelta a España win - will be examined not only by the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) in Madrid, but also by the appointed facilities in Paris/Châtenay-Malabry, France, and Lausanne, Switzerland.
Earlier this year, doubts over the reliability of the Recombinant EPO urinary test have been raised, also leading to the clearing of a triathlete in August: Rutger Beke, whose alleged EPO abuse proved to be a false positive finding. In July 2005, WADA advised its laboratories that any adverse EPO test result was to be confirmed by another laboratory before being reported, so the A sample of the Liberty Seguros rider has probably received the same expertise. Regarding the much-discussed reliability of the EPO test (also thoroughly investigated by Cyclingnews' Chief Online Editor Jeff Jones), WADA is still certain of its efficiency.
