Leukemans questions cause of positive test

Björn Leukemans said that his positive control for testosterone may have been caused by a conspiracy by two team doctors against a third doctor.

Leukemans said that he found the circumstances of his positive test suspicious, even suggesting that he was "sacrificed" because of jealousies amongst the team doctors. According to him, team captain Cadel Evans wanted doctor Sam Vermeire, who prescribed Leukemans the product," to work at the Tour de France. "That did not please the other two doctors."

He noted that "I have written everything down. Perhaps a book will come of it."

The 31-year-old tested positive in October 2007, while with Team Predictor-Lotto, which then fired him. He claimed that the positive test stemmed from a product prescribed by a team doctor. He was given a two-year suspension, which was overruled by a Belgian court.

The case took its next strange turn in August 2008, when Leukemans was given a final sentence of a six-month ban from November 21, 2007 until May 21, 2008, and a fine of 1,800 euro. He has signed with the new Dutch Professional Continental Team Vacansoleil this season.

The Belgian rider said that he would not pay the fine, and in fact had not the money for it. "Fortunately I can pay my lawyer," he told the Belgian newspaper De Morgen. He claimed to have lost between 150,000 and 250,000 Euro. Leukemans said that he has sued Silence-Lotto for his salary, plus interest, for the 2008 season.(SW)