September 2/09 18:58 pm - Testing Reveals Asthma Problem for Premont

Posted by Editoress on 09/2/09
 

The 2009 season has been bumpy ride for Marie-Helene Premont. Once the winter academic session ended, Premont began her racing season in Europe in early May, finishing sixth in the third round of the World Cup at Houffalize [Belgium] and second in Madrid. Premont then lost the Canadian title to her rival Catharine Pendrel in July in Saint-Félicien, and struggled at the World Cups in Mont Sainte-Anne and Bromont.  At this time, Premont said in an interview with Canadian Cyclist that she had breathing problems, similar to the Olympic Games in Beijing. Unlike Beijing Premont did not abandon the Quebec World Cups, finishing in the top-ten at both races.

After Bromont, Premont underwent a battery of medical tests to learn more. The result: she suffers from asthma during exercise.

"A test revealed a reduction of my forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of 28%, which is considerable. In order to be recognized as exercise induced asthma and be granted the right to use a pump  (bronchodilator), a volume reduction of 10% is necessary" explained the cyclist in an email, after she read the various test results.

Premont then registered with the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sport (CCES) and the International Cycling Union (UCI) attesting that she has been diagnosed with asthma, to receive a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which will avoid facing a positive doping result when using bronchodilators, a prohibited substance to athletes without asthma.

"I am a little disappointed to have asthma during exercise, but at the same time relieved to understand what happened at the Games and Bromont. That explains the breathing problems I have had for a while in competition. The upside is that it has been treated very well. I will use the ventolin just before the competition and I'll be protected for a period of four to six hours. I am really encouraged to arrive at the Worlds knowing that my breathing problems are behind me!"

With files from Sportcom