Saturday August 5, 2006 (Ottawa, ON) - After the Union Cycliste Internationale communicated that sample B of Floyd Landis tested positive, Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) President Pierre Blanchard immediately reasserted the anti-doping commitment of the CCA in its will to eradicating drugs from cycling:

"We are deeply concerned about the events which just occurred and we reassert that the CCA holds a very firm position towards the fight against doping in our sport. It is a critical moment, and we would like all the young people who practice a sport, competitive cycling in particular, as well as their parents, be reassured. Our Association and Provincial Associations members already took concrete steps, based on education, in the fight against doping, and we stand by it."

CANADIAN CYCLING ASSOCIATION ANTI DOPING COMMITMENT

We firmly believe that the respect of others and, above all, the respect of oneself are key to any sporting performance. That's why we will always ensure our athletes have the right to compete in fair competitions, which respect the sport's standards of fair-play.

By collaborating with the authorities leading the fight against doping, we continue to discourage and/or to detect the use of banned substances and illegal practices, through educational and other means. As we are well aware that our elite athletes are an example to follow for the young people of today, it is our duty to uphold the values transmitted through sport, i.e. respect, self-improvement, developing a work ethic and mutual aid, to name but a few.

To all the young people who are involved in a particular sport, especially competitive cycling, we would like to say the following:

Sport is a wonderful class in the school of life where everyone who takes part is a winner. Beyond the medals and Olympic titles, we the management, employees and trainers belonging to the Canadian Cycling Association will be doing our utmost to develop proud and responsible individuals who will later be able to make an outstanding contribution to society.

Source -contact:

Florence Bourg
Communications Manager
Canadian Cycling Association
Cell.: 418-558-4559