January 20/14 15:09 pm - Cycling Canada & Cycling BC React to Salas Suspension

Posted by Editoress on 01/20/14
 

Earlier today, the Canadian Centre ofr Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced that Canadian road rider Sebastian Salas had been suspended for two years for an anti-doping rule violation [see daily News - Sebastian Salas Suspended for 2 Years]. Cycling Canada and Cycling BC have now issued statements on the suspension:

Cycling Canada

Cycling Canada was disappointed to learn of the suspension of road cyclist Sebastian Salas for an anti-doping rule violation that occurred in July of last year.

Cycling Canada is firmly and adamantly opposed to all forms of doping and has taken exceptional measures to monitor, test and educate athletes in the sport. In the last year more Canadian cyclists were tested than any other year with the majority of those tests being no notice, out of competition.

Each cyclist competes under the Race Clean: Own Your Victory / Roulez gagnant au naturel banner and is aware of the values inherent in fair and ethical competition. This education program, developed with and by the athletes, has been in the forefront of the national team and Canadian Cycling Championships for the past two years.

Speaking on behalf of Cycling Canada, President John Tolkamp said; "It is unfortunate to learn that an athlete in our sport has been seen to have competed outside the rules of the Canadian Anti-doping Program. The fact that the rigorous testing regime of the national body with the collaboration of the CCES identified the problem should serve as a reminder to any that would cheat that they will be caught and sanctioned appropriately. We will continue to enhance our efforts to educate around doping in our sport so that all athletes are able to compete on a fair and equal basis."

Cycling BC

Cycling BC is surprised and disappointed to learn of Sebastian Salas' sanction detailed above. President Bruce Denis stated: "We believe in the integrity of Cycling Canada and the CCES and we recognize their efforts on behalf of clean athletes in the province of BC, Canada and beyond."

Ethical performance is central to Cycling BC's values. Based on feedback from our members, the Board of Directors is currently preparing an amendment to our Strategic Plan (available for viewing at www.cyclingbc.net) that will address ethics and fair play as well as outline a plan to integrate anti-doping awareness and education into our High Performance programs and our Youth Development programs. This plan will involve a partnership with Cycling Canada's Race Clean: Own Your Victory program mentioned above.