Contestants face drug testing in "Tour of Elk Grove"

The "Tour of Elk Grove" bicycle race next month is taking steps in response to the doping controversy hanging over the Tour De France.

Under a new policy, officials will randomly drug test about five women and five men who participate in the race, said Hank Zemola of Chicago Special Events, the group in charge of the race.

"We took a look at what happened with the Tour de France and decided we didn't want to take any chances," Zemola said.

Last year, Floyd Landis was supposed to participate in the bike race but pulled out after a doping sample corroborated what an earlier test revealed -- suspiciously high levels of testosterone.

"I've been very disappointed with what's been happening at the Tour de France," said Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson. "If riders are dumb enough to make that fatal mistake, they're going to find out we're not going to mess with it."

Anyone testing positive for an illegal substance will be banned for life from the Tour of Elk Grove, Johnson said.

Tour of Elk Grove -- now in its second year -- will feature 13 pro-am competitive cycling events. The overall prize money for all 13 races is $200,000 -- which is the largest for a U. S. cycling event.

Although urine for the drug tests will be taken randomly, usually the winner is among those tested, Zemola said. Those picked will be tested immediately after the race.

The Tour of Elk Grove will be on Aug. 11 and 12 at Audubon Park, Ridge and Elk Grove Boulevard. Admission is free for spectators and races start at 9 a.m. each day.

For information check www.tourofelkgrove.com.