Maxime Lefèbvre in trouble again

By Brecht Decaluwé

Several sources are reporting that French cyclo-cross rider Maxime Lefèbvre (Josan) is in major trouble again. After his strong performance – Lefèbvre finished sixth at the North Sea cross in Middelkerke - the rider apparently forgot to show up at the medic post for the obliged doping control. Sporza reports that the local speaker announced in three languages that the top-10 was obliged to head for the medic. Traditionally, the riders' numbers were also published at the normal location.

This could mean the end of Lefèbvre's career as the Belgium-based rider has been in trouble before. He tested positive (Heptaminol) after a race in Raismes in April 2004 and got sidelined for a year. During the summer of that year he illegally raced with a Belgian license in Zolder and received a UCI-fine. He came back in competition during the spring of 2006 and his best performance was a fourth place in Wachtebeke last week. The normal punishment for this kind of incident is a fine of 300 euros and a ban, but Lefèbvre may face tougher sanctions due to his previous offences.