Disqualified California marathon winner denies cheating
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The disqualified winner of the Orange County Marathon says he still thinks he's a champion and denies he cheated.
Mohamed Fadil of Albuquerque, New Mexico crossed the line Sunday in a record time of 2:21:42 but he was disqualified a few days later because video showed a bicyclist paced him and gave him fluids -- both violations of USA Track & Field rules.
Fadil told the Orange County Register on Wednesday that he was worried about getting lost and asked the cyclist to lead him because the official cyclist got a flat tire and fell behind.
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As for the fluids, Fadil says he didn't know it was illegal.
Fadil says in his mind, he won the marathon and he'll defend the title next year.