Paris Nice Rider Protest

Riders in the Paris-Nice cycling race protested Sunday against a doping test control for Belgian colleague Kevin van Impe, who was asked for a urine sample just as he was grieving at a crematorium following the death of his new-born son.

The protest delayed the start of the final stage of the race as van Impe's compatriot Philippe Gilbert, a member of the international riders association CPA, took to the rostrum to say that while the riders were not against doping tests they wanted more respect shown. "Perhaps this went too far," said Gilbert, flanked by Italians Davide Rebellin and Rinaldo Nocentini, the leading pair in the race.

"In leaving two or three minutes late we wish to show our support for van Impe," said Gilbert, as fellow riders applauded.
Quick Step rider van Impe was at the crematorium dealing with funeral arrangements following his son's death when a drugs tester turned up and demanded he provide a sample, warning that otherwise he could face a two-year suspension.

"He wouldn't even come back later in the day. It was either do it right on the spot or it would be taken as if I had refused," said van Impe, whose son Jayden, born prematurely on Monday, died just six hours later.

Flemish minister for sport Bert Anciaux said Saturday that authorities would seek to avoid a repeat in such delicate circumstances. "The law is the law but you must take a human perspective," the Belga news agency quoted Anciaux as saying.