The finding of Cycling South Africa’s Disciplinary Commission’s investigation into national mountain bike team rider Rourke Croeser’s potential UCI medical rule violation has found him not guilty of contravening UCI Medical Rule 13.03.058 (2).
It was confirmed that Mr Croeser’s possession of syringes and needles prior to the 2015 UCI MTB World Championships in Andorra in September 2015 was not in contravention of any rules regarding anti-doping, the use of illegal substances or the “no needle policy” (UCI Medical Rule 13.03.058 (2) specifically states “In case a violation of article 13.3.052 occurs at a race”, whereas the needle discovery was days before the race while the rider was training).
Mr Croeser will be notified of the finding and the report will also be sent to SAIDS (South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport) and the UCI for their records.
Cycling SA will suggest to Mr Croeser that he familiarise himself with all the UCI and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) regulations and if required will assist him with the information and or education around this.
The recommendations with regards to improving internal policies will also be implemented and Cycling SA General Manager, Mike Bradley, is formalising the necessary rule set to be implemented in the 2016 season.
Cycling SA President, William Newman, re-iterated that the National Federation will continue to strive to ensure that riders are aware of the UCI medical rules. Newman further implored riders to familiarise themselves with all the rules relating to our sport including the medical and anti-doping regulations. Cycling SA will not tolerate any activities by athletes that may be an infringement of UCI medical or anti-doping regulations.
He didnt assist at all. He was given reduced 2 month for accepting ban and walking away. Not going the lawyer route.