WADA disputes Verbruggen claim on doping

MONTREAL (AP) - The World Anti-Doping Agency disputes a claim by former cycling federation leader Hein Verbruggen that discussing suspicious doping samples with athletes was once normal practice in sports.

WADA says such a policy "totally contradicts the purpose of an effective anti-doping program.''

The agency says it has "no evidence of other international federations `discussing atypical blood test results, or other test results' with athletes.''

Verbruggen, the International Cycling Union president from 1991-2005, claimed Wednesday it was the governing body's former policy and "indeed also of other federations.''

WADA has criticized the UCI for arranging for Lance Armstrong to meet with a laboratory director in 2002 after his tests had suspicious levels of EPO.

WADA says any federation discussing tests with athletes "leave(s) itself open to criticism with regards to its impartiality and integrity.''