In Brief:
The International Cycling Union (UCI) on Monday rejected accusations by the French Anti-doping Agency (AFLD) that they showed the Astana team preferential treatment over drug tests at the Tour de France.. French newspapers Le Monde and Le Figaro alleged that the team of race winner Alberto Contador and third-placed Lance Armstrong was given an easy ride at the 2009 event.. Both Le Monde and Le Figaro carried reports that Astana were shown preferential treatment by drug-testing teams at this summer's race.. "For some teams, the unexpected nature of anti-doping tests did not exist on the Tour," Le Figaro said, adding that the 10-page AFLD report was to be sent on Monday to the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).. The daily said AFLD doctors noted that on the morning of July 11 in the Astana team hotel, UCI inspectors intervened to allow Astana riders an extra 45 minutes before testing, which was supposed to be carried out immediately under the rules..
