Events

Adverse Analytical Finding – in-competition test

By Press Office · 239 comments

Cycling South Africa reports that veteran cyclist Hendrik Anderson (licence number: 14407) returned an adverse analytical finding in an in-competition test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) on 25 October 2013 at the Cape Pioneer MTB event.

The analytical report confirmed the presence of the stimulant Phentermine in Hendrik Anderson’s urine sample. Following the hearing which was conducted by an Independent Tribunal on 29 May 2014, Mr. Anderson was found guilty and has received a two year ban from all sport effective from 28 January 2014 to 27 January 2016. Mr. Anderson has the right to appeal the decision.

Cycling South Africa respects the independence of the SAIDS process and respects the outcome. Cycling SA further reiterates its zero-tolerance approach to doping in sport and will continue working with SAIDS in the promotion of a drug-free sport via its awareness programmes and extensive testing.

Comments

Guest Smimby

Jul 18, 2014, 12:34 PM

Not true. Of course you can race.

All you need is a TUE and you will be fine.

 

I find it helps to have read the rules before taking an indignant position....

 

You want a funrider to apply for a TUE?

eddy

Jul 18, 2014, 12:46 PM

 

 

You want a funrider to apply for a TUE?

 

No I don't. But what I want and the provisions for medicating and racing are two different things.

 

The poster said if you are on prescription meds and you race you could be bust and WILL be banned. That is not true. The rules provide the mechanism to ensure you are not penalised.

SwissVan

Jul 18, 2014, 1:02 PM

You want a funrider to apply for a TUE?

 

I think the principal is that just because you are a fun rider it does not exempt you from the rules

 

Which rules she cries...

 

All the rules he says

 

Just like a short cut

 

There is a possible loop hole wrt to TUE's

 

However dont take my word for it

 

When you sign that entry form agreeing to obey the rules.....maybe try refuse to sign in future?

 

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Pants Boy

Jul 18, 2014, 1:30 PM

As it was explained to me when asking about TUE, if it carries UCI status, it can be classified as 'international event'

 

I wouldn't want to run to SAIDS for a TUE for every snot nose I get, but for chronic stuff, why not? Or am I allowed to cheat because I've only ever been good enough for B batch in Trailseeker half marathons?

 

My point of view, good for the goose, good for the gander. Test everyone.

HappyMartin

Jul 18, 2014, 2:25 PM

Apply for a TUE. Why not. Them are the rule.

 

On the other hand can you imagine the cluster ,um, shag, if every entrant to the Argus of 94 that was on meds applied for a TUE. It would be loads of fun.

RichieT

Jul 18, 2014, 2:32 PM

Bigger question yet, who is Hendrik Anderson ?

Who cares?

Thor Buttox

Jul 18, 2014, 3:04 PM

Eish, I am sick as a dog and my doc prescribed Prednisone this morning. I am now officially on the banned list according to my Google. Not sure if I would be in a position to even attempt a hill at pace, sadly.

 

(Given that I am now a banning-in-waiting, I have also taken some diet pills.)

shadowchaser-d

Jul 19, 2014, 10:56 AM

A couple years ago when my wife and I were trying for kids, I seemed to have a problem and the urologist prescribed Proviron. I took this for 2/3 months. I was racing in licensed vets at the time. If I was tested, would have received my 2 year ban. I have never won a vets race and to be honest just enjoy finishing with the main bunch. From what I understand this stays in your system for months if not a year after taking it. So at Carnival my name gets pulled and I'm caught out. I would not care if I was bust as having kids was far more important to me then racing. Testing random vets in my opinion is a waste of time. I have to agree with Wyat ans Spinnekop

anesh.s

Jul 19, 2014, 11:02 AM

No... You can't be serious! If an average amateur rider (like me for example) who rides for the fun and enjoyment of it, has to apply for a TUE or risk banning, can you imagine the queues and backlog? If the guy tested positive for elevated EPO, testosterone, clenbuterol, amphetamines or similar then sure, nail him. But a fat loss drug that has no performance enhancement properties and basically is primarily an appetite suppressant? Of course I'll take an "Indignant position".

Paulst12

Jul 19, 2014, 11:04 AM

So if you have flu, asthma or a heart condition, and are taking prescribed medicine, now you can't do mtb events because you could be tested and banned! Absolutely ridiculous.

If you are a licensed rider (day license applies here as well) you have to apply for a medical exemption for certain things like asthma and heart condition medication. If you dont and get caught, well then tough luck, you get banned. So something similar to Brandon Stewart who had low testosterone and started taking the injections. He didnt have official written approval from CSA... banned.

Its a doff rule for day license riders!! I guess its a case of where do they draw the line? Asthma pumps can be used to improve breathing and let me tell you, guys in A cat are just as willing to use stuff to help them win as are guys in VA, so ultimately a blanket rule is all they are willing to apply?

eddy

Jul 19, 2014, 11:15 AM

No... You can't be serious! If an average amateur rider (like me for example) who rides for the fun and enjoyment of it, has to apply for a TUE or risk banning, can you imagine the queues and backlog? If the guy tested positive for elevated EPO, testosterone, clenbuterol, amphetamines or similar then sure, nail him. But a fat loss drug that has no performance enhancement properties and basically is primarily an appetite suppressant? Of course I'll take an "Indignant position".

 

Again, go and check your pharmacology.

 

Many "appetite suppressants", and certainly those that fall on the banned list, use amphetamines which is a central nervous system stimulant as the active ingredient.

 

These drugs are used to combat obesity, there is NO reason for a cyclist with a cyclist's BMI to take these unless they want the benefit of the amphetamine buzz.

 

But I see you list amphetamines on your list of things one should be banned for, so I suppose we are in agreement..

milky4130

Jul 19, 2014, 1:04 PM

So no Vets were tested today at the SA MTB XCO champs, if I look at the times of some of 40+ I feel they should've or I just suck.

ryanbritchford

Jul 19, 2014, 1:09 PM

Phentermene is the active ingredient in duromine. A scheduled appetite suppressant , they wasting their time nailing veterans for this. They should spend more time checking Darryl impeys teammates.

anesh.s

Jul 19, 2014, 2:37 PM

Phentermine is not an amphetamine. Ephedrine, for example, is though, so yes eddy you're right on that one. Duromine has no performance benefit, there are much more effective fat burners out there that do give you a performance edge. Bottom line, in my opinion the guy did not deserve a 2 year ban for what he used, it was a ridiculous and heavy-handed decision.

eddy

Jul 19, 2014, 2:59 PM

Phentermine is not an amphetamine. Ephedrine, for example, is though, so yes eddy you're right on that one.

 

 

Whilst Wikipedia is often to be taken with a pinch of salt, it does say the following:

 

"Phentermine has some similarity in its pharmacodynamics with its parent compound, amphetamine, as they both are TAAR1 agonists.[8]Phentermine works on the hypothalamus portion of the brain to stimulate the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that signals a fight-or-flight response, reducing hunger. Phentermine works outside the brain, as well, to release epinephrine or adrenaline,"

 

I am of an age when everybody at varsity had to have a fat mate so he could get us some Obex to keep us going on the weekend jol.

 

Appetite suppressants have been abused for their stimulatory effects for decades.

 

My point is this, if you HAVE to use an appetite suppressant for medical reasons, get your TUE along with your prescription. If you choose not to (whether it is fair or not) you will have to live with the consequences.

 

ps. I do not think back-markers should be tested, but that is not yet the law

anesh.s

Jul 19, 2014, 6:24 PM

Hahaha i also used Wikipedia before posting and saw the same article, but my pharmacist friend says it isn't classified as an amphetamine as such. Guys like me will have to just ride fat I guess.

City Cycling Athletic Club

Jul 19, 2014, 6:49 PM

i haven't read all the posts - but for the ill informed - csa don't test the riders, saids do and they are asked and paid by the organisers of the event to test. they normally just test the podium winners and mr anderson will be able to ride his argus next year because it is not sanctioned and you don't need a csa license.

wangtang

Jul 19, 2014, 10:35 PM

A.S u rock! Ag shame, some people. Magnified note in their lingo; almal are kan do is following for killer ride. Ingredient list No 1. Mix 2 berocca eff wif 100ml of Liverton tonic, 1 tds prior breakfast of nanna and bacon roti. No 2. To cure any headache from last nights binge, down ones grandpa wif a gloog of coke after da morning cuppa joe, no nanna needed. Don't adjust your wedgie 4 your morning jitters might be too pleasing for urself and your fellow riding partner, Doc H. And lastly, stay clear of all that S0 Chamberlain's colic remedy. It are for babies wif colic and casual buzzers like Fanie, Neels hey boet, how'z IT hanging, (excuse the pun) Henny and me! I lost 6KG, how bout u Henny? As a bullie lover, Henny, The following command is viable. Sa! Fight hom swaar! Ek bedoel, tiny. WAJ! Ps, old school Gummyberry juice is available in legal form. P&P is extra.

Tumbleweed

Jul 20, 2014, 1:32 AM

Phentermine is not an amphetamine. Ephedrine, for example, is though, so yes eddy you're right on that one. Duromine has no performance benefit, there are much more effective fat burners out there that do give you a performance edge. Bottom line, in my opinion the guy did not deserve a 2 year ban for what he used, it was a ridiculous and heavy-handed decision.

 

Define "performance benefit". There's a reason tests are taken out of comp too.

Pulse

Jul 20, 2014, 3:59 AM

 

 

I think the principal is that just because you are a fun rider it does not exempt you from the rules

 

Which rules she cries...

 

All the rules he says

 

Just like a short cut

 

There is a possible loop hole wrt to TUE's

 

However dont take my word for it

 

When you sign that entry form agreeing to obey the rules.....maybe try refuse to sign in future?

 

post-182-0-24525300-1405688381_thumb.png

Pulse

Jul 20, 2014, 4:08 AM

I agree. What is good for one is good for all (at least ss far ss the rules are concerned).

 

PERHAPS the bigger picture is again that 'social events/ryders' should not be UCI/CSA accredited.

PERHAPS these events/ryders should not be deemed as 'international' by UCI standards. I'm sure enen though the 'letter of the law' may apply, I don't think that the 'spirit of the law' does...

 

I know I'm (re)opening a can of worms here, but thats just my 2c

Barend de Arend

Jul 20, 2014, 6:11 AM

I agree. What is good for one is good for all (at least ss far ss the rules are concerned).

 

PERHAPS the bigger picture is again that 'social events/ryders' should not be UCI/CSA accredited.

PERHAPS these events/ryders should not be deemed as 'international' by UCI standards. I'm sure enen though the 'letter of the law' may apply, I don't think that the 'spirit of the law' does...

 

I know I'm (re)opening a can of worms here, but thats just my 2c

 

I agree that SA needs a clearer distinction on social vs. racing events and participants.

 

In SA every ride has a timing chip and becomes a race. That line has been blurred by organizers who want 101 billion people at the 94.7 MTB challenge.

 

Race: race for position, in your category (elite, vet, cat2, etc.) Rolling road closure. Marshals. Prize money. Also: rules and drug tests.

 

If you want the marshals -- and the prize money -- you get the drug tests.

 

Some events include social events (10km or so) without prize money. I don't expect those participants to go to their doctor and pharmacist to ask clarification on the WADA list.

 

If you do the same distance and route on the same day as the elites, you get the same rules. And the drug tests.

 

Now somewhere in-between there's a blur. That blur needs to become a proper line. And when you decide to move from social events to race numbers there needs to be clarification. It mustn't come as a surprise. There should be no "I didn't know."

 

Perhaps the correct solution is education. When you obtain your CSA license, you get a pamphlet with a quick introduction. Something like:

- sneezing -> allergy meds -> speak to pharmacist about WADA (with pictures)

Don't bury it in tiny writing 175 pages deep in a rulebook.

 

Or something like that on Supersport.

 

Or your cycling club can tell you in the beginning of the year when you get your license.

DJR

Jul 20, 2014, 7:03 AM

i haven't read all the posts - but for the ill informed - csa don't test the riders, saids do and they are asked and paid by the organisers of the event to test. they normally just test the podium winners and mr anderson will be able to ride his argus next year because it is not sanctioned and you don't need a csa license.

 

How exactly does CSA fit into the picture re. doping and testing?

 

I understand that SAIDS do the actual tests, but do CSA give any input in how it is done, who gets tested, when, how often, or do they just announce the result, and deal with the fall-out afterwards?

 

Do the race organizers give any input, seeing as they pay for it (with our entry fees)?

 

Interesting point re. the Argus. Would like to see what the PPA does about it.

Guest DieBees

Jul 20, 2014, 7:35 AM

Just a question... Is there not people who is pimping fellow riders to these guys that initiates some of the "amateur" testing?

 

I can imagine that a rider has some competition and then he strips and go to the "authorities" and says the guy is doping. This could lead them on a witch hunt and waste a lot of money or find them guilty?

 

Edit: grammar

City Cycling Athletic Club

Jul 20, 2014, 11:53 AM

How exactly does CSA fit into the picture re. doping and testing?

 

I understand that SAIDS do the actual tests, but do CSA give any input in how it is done, who gets tested, when, how often, or do they just announce the result, and deal with the fall-out afterwards?

 

Do the race organizers give any input, seeing as they pay for it (with our entry fees)?

 

Interesting point re. the Argus. Would like to see what the PPA does about it.

we asked for drug testing at the PPA Summer & WPCA winter league but the costs is too exhorbitant. we were advised to work thru provincial / national body who would then request on our behalf. CSA were very helpful but i can't remember if we had to then apply for funding thru a gov dept to pay for testing. in the end we coxed it the reason being workload. there is just too much to worry about on the day of an event without having the bloodsuckers requesting you to inform race number ## that he / she is "wanted" in the toilets.

SAIDS are at all nationals - who pays - i don't know. they normally test the podium winners and random riders.

i would love for them to be at our events not becos i am intrigued as to who would put in a "DNS" but for the education of the young riders who are starting out to race. out of sight out of mind.

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