UCI to work with French anti-doping agency on Tour

AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) The International Cycling Union will again work with the French anti-doping agency to test riders on the Tour de France.

UCI President Brian Cookson says in a statement, ''this partnership demonstrates that all anti-doping organizations can join forces to ensure the reputation of cycling.''

Several measures have been put in place ''to ensure the maximum efficiency of the control system'' including the blood testing of all the cyclists shortly before the start in Leeds, England, on Saturday.

Moreover, some samples will be kept ''possibly for several years'' to be tested in the future following developments in detection methods.

No riders tested positive for doping during last year's race, where 622 samples were collected.

The Tour ends in Paris on July 27.