Sports Council targeted Lombard

Confirmation that the Irish Sports Council had targeted Cathal Lombard for testing has added further proof that his breakthrough performances over the past two summers were primarily the result of his use of the performance-enhancing substance erythropoietin (EPO).

After Lombard's admission that he used EPO to be competitive on the world stage, the Sports Council yesterday confirmed their suspicions. He had been targeted because of his "dramatic improvements in performance in recent times".

Dr Una May, the head of the anti-doping unit at the Sports Council, outlined how and why they go about selecting an athlete as one of their specific targets.

"That option is definitely there for us to pursue," she said. "It's a very important part of the programme and we need to have it. Not just to try to catch them, but to protect them if they are making such a major breakthrough. It means at least they can say they were tested X number of times. So it can work from both sides."

It was also confirmed Lombard's positive sample was the result of an out-of-competition urine test carried out by the Swiss Olympic Committee in St Moritz on July 11th, where the athlete was then undertaking some altitude training as part of his preparations for Athens.

Significantly, that was the sixth time Lombard was tested this year, well above the average for an Irish athlete.

Although Dr May was unable to comment on the reports that there was a tip-off regarding Lombard's ordering the substance over the Internet, and the possible interception by Customs, she did confirm the link with the Swiss Olympic Association, who are responsible for drug testing in Switzerland.

"The main thing was the outcome," she added, "and that the test proved effective. But we are concerned about the fact that people can so easily access the stuff on the Internet. And that we have such little control over what they are receiving, in that it could in fact be highly dangerous. And EPO is dangerous no matter where you get it from.

"And in terms of cost it is quite affordable. We're certainly not talking about thousands of euro. It is certainly an affordable drug. But whether it was self-administered or not doesn't matter. The test has proven to be effective. He didn't get away it, and that's as clear as we can get that the programme is effective."

Lombard's revelations that he deliberately used EPO as a method of cheating his way to the top of his event, the 10,000 metres, have come across as particularly cynical in light of several of his comments in the past, where he said he felt drug use in sport was not prevalent. Yet there will only be a formal announcement of his two-year ban following the determination of the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary panel.

"If the athlete chooses to declare his guilt, he is fully entitled to forgo the hearing, and the panel will simply pass on the sanction, which under new international standards is a straightforward, two-year suspension."

In the meantime, Dr May added weight to the opinion that Lombard was an isolated case: "All along we've had to be aware that Ireland is not immune from the problem. But I certainly don't think we have a big problem in this country."

The Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) have confirmed that they have given the athlete until 5.30 this evening to offer a formal response to the findings of the test. AAI secretary Georgina Drumm, also with the anti-doping responsibilities, said she had "strong assurances" that the athlete would be getting back to them before that time.

It has also emerged that Lombard was informed by telephone on Thursday evening of the positive findings from his test. Written confirmation was also sent to his training base in Italy on Friday.