Kiwi Cyclist Adam Stewart Receives Two year Ban

New Zealand cyclist Adam Stewart’s has received a two-year ban for the attempted use of prohibited substances which included erythropoietin (EPO) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Stewart was caught after a package containing the substances was intercepted by New Zealand Customs. Stewart was identified as the recipient despite his attempts to use a false name and address.

EPO is a performance enhancing blood boosting drug while hCG is a pregnancy hormone, used to keep testosterone ratios unchanged, thus avoiding the detection of other prohibited substances.

This news comes as a huge blow to the country’s national governing body, BikeNZ, in the run up to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. Kieran Turner, CEO of BikeNZ said, “We take our team culture and values very seriously as part of the overall development of our athletes.”

Although Stewart had not returned a positive test his two-year ban was for the importation of banned substances which carries the same punishment. BikeNZ described Turner’s actions as “incredibly stupid.”

Speaking to tvnz Turner said “It’s a real shock for New Zealand cycling – there’s very few of these sort of infringements in New Zealand sport in general.”

Stewart had previously competed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, finishing 12th in the individual sprint and fourth in the team event. He had been preparing for the forthcoming edition in the USA and his place will now be awarded to another New Zealand rider.

With very few drug infringements within New Zealand cycling this news comes as a major shock to all those involved in cycling. BikeNZ’s have worked tirelessly to provide anti-doping educational resources to all their athletes over recent years. This includes a close liaison with Drug Free Sport New Zealand who have worked with all High Performance athletes.

What is encouraging is that riders no longer have to produce a positive test alone in order to receive sanctions. Increased intelligence and the monitoring of riders and officials by Government agencies has given anti-doping bodies and cycling federations powerful tools in the fight against doping. Increased deterrants will surely make a rider think twice before breaking the rules.