Events

Adverse analytical finding – in competition test

By Press Office · 153 comments

Cycling South Africa reports that veteran cyclist Joe van der Westhuizen returned an adverse analytical finding in an in-competition test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) on 4 October 2014 at the Engen Cycle in the City Race.

The analytical report confirmed the presence of the Anabolic Agent, Clenbuterol as well as the Glucocorticosteroid, Prednisone and its metabolite Prednisolone in his urine sample.

Mr. Van der Westhuizen waived his right to a hearing and has been found guilty by SAIDS. He received a two-year ban from all sport effective from 4 October 2014 to 3 October 2016.

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.

All cyclists are urged to avail themselves of all the resources available to them to ensure a drug-free career in sport. In addition, all cyclists are advised to exercise extreme caution at all times with regards to any food and/or medical products they may come into contact with.

Comments

HeyYou

Mar 26, 2015, 12:28 PM

prednisone

I do and have used it for:

gout

asthma

water on the knee

 

edit: I think hayfever too

GaryvdM

Mar 26, 2015, 12:29 PM

I am disappointed to hear this , as I know Joe and also believed his results were from the long , hard hours he spent on the bike ...

However , I think if you have to dope in the vets cat , then you are less talented than you think , and have serious EGO issues .

 

I think ban them for life .... 

 

 

I'm sure that he did train long hard. 3 of the 4 PED's mentioned in the finding do nothing if you take the and do no training. Rather, they help speed recovery, allowing you to train harder, and making the training more effective.

Long Wheel Base

Mar 26, 2015, 12:51 PM

prednisone

I do and have used it for:

gout

asthma

water on the knee

 

edit: I think hayfever too

Do you think a successful licensed rider would suffer from any of that? Just saying. I don't know you and don't know what sort of riding you do but I would think someone with problems like that wouldn't be able to race vets. I could be wrong.

Patchelicious

Mar 26, 2015, 12:53 PM

There are some very real health benefits for us guys over 30 using hormones supplements, does it make it legal, NO!

Frosty

Mar 26, 2015, 1:02 PM

A previously banned Elite (Clenbuterol & Testoserone) just completed the Epic after serving a 4 year ban (multiple substances)

Interesting as I thought you can't compete at the epic if you have previously tested positive?

 

Who was the rider?

Who was this?

Michael Pepper

RocknRolla

Mar 26, 2015, 1:04 PM

Average Joe  :whistling:

 

 

That was before "treatment"

90 Inch

Mar 26, 2015, 1:08 PM

I'm pretty sure i remember them saying it applies backwards as well...

No they were not able to apply it retrospectively.

the nerd

Mar 26, 2015, 1:10 PM

No they were not able to apply it retrospectively.

 

Why not? Surely its their race they can make it what they want?

90 Inch

Mar 26, 2015, 1:24 PM

They need to operate within UCI rules. UCI feel that the 2 year suspension is the punishment. 

rattlesnake

Mar 26, 2015, 1:33 PM

Raced against Joe at Clover Tour - he came 2nd overall in Vets. Glad to see they finally testing the vets.

the nerd

Mar 26, 2015, 1:35 PM

They need to operate within UCI rules. UCI feel that the 2 year suspension is the punishment. 

 

They don't though, you cannot compete at the epic if you have tested positive. You will not be able to enter even if you have served the ban. I just thought their rule would go back as well..

Patchelicious

Mar 26, 2015, 1:37 PM

Raced against Joe at Clover Tour - he came 2nd overall in Vets. Glad to see they finally testing the vets.

Hope they tested you for haemotoxins!

SwissVan

Mar 26, 2015, 1:41 PM

I'm pretty sure i remember them saying it applies backwards as well...

 

2012

 

Uh uh

 

http://www.cape-epic.com/news/409/

 

"Says Kevin Vermaak, founder of the race: “As of 1 January 2013, any athlete (professional or amateur) caught using performance enhancing substances, whether at another event or out of competition, will be banned for life from participating in the Absa Cape Epic. Not only will the person not be allowed to participate (as an amateur rider or UCI- licensed elite), but the individual will also be banned from being involved on any level including as a team manager. This is harsher than what is required currently by any federation, but is our considered opinion of what should be enforced even on a wider scale with regards to event participation of convicted dope cheats.”

Vermaak continues: “We’ve chosen not to apply this retrospectively because we believe that would be naive. As has been exposed in recent months, cycling has a dark past. Many riders from this previous era have rediscovered the joy of cycling as mountain bikers and participate in the Absa Cape Epic as their expression of riding clean. Previous offenders, who have served their suspension term, may ride future Absa Cape Epics. We want to be part of the new era of cleaner cycling, and therefore only future offenders will receive the lifetime bans."

the nerd

Mar 26, 2015, 1:46 PM

2012

 

Uh uh

 

http://www.cape-epic.com/news/409/

 

"Says Kevin Vermaak, founder of the race: “As of 1 January 2013, any athlete (professional or amateur) caught using performance enhancing substances, whether at another event or out of competition, will be banned for life from participating in the Absa Cape Epic. Not only will the person not be allowed to participate (as an amateur rider or UCI- licensed elite), but the individual will also be banned from being involved on any level including as a team manager. This is harsher than what is required currently by any federation, but is our considered opinion of what should be enforced even on a wider scale with regards to event participation of convicted dope cheats.”

Vermaak continues: “We’ve chosen not to apply this retrospectively because we believe that would be naive. As has been exposed in recent months, cycling has a dark past. Many riders from this previous era have rediscovered the joy of cycling as mountain bikers and participate in the Absa Cape Epic as their expression of riding clean. Previous offenders, who have served their suspension term, may ride future Absa Cape Epics. We want to be part of the new era of cleaner cycling, and therefore only future offenders will receive the lifetime bans."

 

Thanks... I wonder which specific rider they had in mind when they decided this... ;-)

Patchelicious

Mar 26, 2015, 1:48 PM

Thanks... I wonder which specific rider they had in mind when they decided this... ;-)

Careful, you'll get an Emma letter!

the nerd

Mar 26, 2015, 1:52 PM

Careful, you'll get an Emma letter!

 

Why, I am always skeptical of big events whether its cycling or otherwise.

 

BUT>

 

What they have done for cycling by introducing this rule is great and a brilliant step in combating doping in pro mtb by making people think twice. I feel anyone caught doping should be banned for life whether its cycling, rowing, swimming or badminton.

 

*Edit

 

They should be banned from all and any professional sport not just their discipline..

Spinnekop

Mar 26, 2015, 1:53 PM

Raced against Joe at Clover Tour - he came 2nd overall in Vets. Glad to see they finally testing the vets.

He came 3rd at Clover.  ;)

 

And they have been testing every now and again.  I have been tested twice as a vet.......

rattlesnake

Mar 26, 2015, 1:57 PM

He came 3rd at Clover.  ;)

 

And they have been testing every now and again.  I have been tested twice as a vet.......

My bad - looked at one of the stage results instead of GC - still, a podium spot that someone else deserved.

 

Looking at current results vs winning pro times my opinion is that Vets are not tested enough. Period. No finger pointing, but if you do the math, something doesn't add up.

Patchelicious

Mar 26, 2015, 1:58 PM

Why, I am always skeptical of big events whether its cycling or otherwise.

 

BUT>

 

What they have done for cycling by introducing this rule is great and a brilliant step in combating doping in pro mtb by making people think twice. I feel anyone caught doping should be banned for life whether its cycling, rowing, swimming or badminton.

 

*Edit

 

They should be banned from all and any professional sport not just their discipline..

I agree with you, fully ;) I was just pulling your leg.

the nerd

Mar 26, 2015, 2:00 PM

I agree with you, fully ;) I was just pulling your leg.

 

I know.. but you can never be too careful ha ha ha

Frosty

Mar 26, 2015, 2:01 PM

No it was Russel Lund.

Michael was an ex-pro (House of Paints, as they were known then), who got a 4 year ban, served his time for his crime, and did ride/finish the Epic this year.

GoLefty!!

Mar 26, 2015, 2:02 PM

has the rider in question admitted to taking the banned substances?

 

Asking because I feel there is still a huge unknown wrt to what you can pick up in other products. Woolworths does not disclose what hormones are in their meat. You'd be naïve to think that free range means "grew up on oats and hard work".

 

and when you're on chronic medication when do you apply for TUE??

Spinnekop

Mar 26, 2015, 2:03 PM

My bad - looked at one of the stage results instead of GC - still, a podium spot that someone else deserved.

 

Looking at current results vs winning pro times my opinion is that Vets are not tested enough. Period. No finger pointing, but if you do the math, something doesn't add up.

mmmmmm.  Agreed.  Not tested enough.  But again.  No real "punishment" if tested positive.  Vets racing is NOT professional.  So it is like cheating on your own budget at home.....you're only screwing yourself.  :thumbup:

 

Can't compare the pros with the vets.  Pros have a LOT of tactics and races for position.  Vets normally just hammer it.  :w00t:

Spinnekop

Mar 26, 2015, 2:06 PM

has the rider in question admitted to taking the banned substances?

 

Asking because I feel there is still a huge unknown wrt to what you can pick up in other products. Woolworths does not disclose what hormones are in their meat. You'd be naïve to think that free range means "grew up on oats and hard work".

 

and when you're on chronic medication when do you apply for TUE??

JIp.

 

It would be nice to have a more clear picture.

I think we have been lied to so many times before that no one knows what is and what's not.

 

So exactly how big must the steak really be to be able to test positive for Clen?? 

How long does certain medicine with banned stuff really stay in your system?  Or do dopers just lie to cover up intent?

Would be interesting to hear Joe's side.  If it was intentional or if it was in something that he took that he did not know about?  etc...etc....

rattlesnake

Mar 26, 2015, 2:07 PM

So it is like cheating on your own budget at home.....you're only screwing yourself.  :thumbup:

 

.....And the guys that they race against who put in good, clean, honest hard work.

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