July 21/15 14:51 pm - Ontario Rider Suspended for Possession of Prohibited Substances

Posted by Editor on 07/21/15
 

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that Stephen Welsh, a cycling athlete, received a three-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. The violation, possession of banned substances (clenbuterol, testosterone and erythropoietin), occurred in Tucson, Arizona.

Prior to the CCES' assertion of the violation, Mr. Welsh voluntarily met with the CCES, cooperated with the ongoing investigation and honestly admitted to the doping violation. Due to Mr. Welsh promptly admitting the violation and agreeing to waive his hearing, he was entitled to request a sanction reduction pursuant to Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) Rule 10.6.3. In evaluating the potential sanction reduction, the CCES relied on its belief that Mr. Welsh was not using performance-enhancing drugs and did not use the banned substances he bought. Accordingly, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and CCES jointly agreed to a reduced sanction of three years ineligibility, ending on July 2, 2018.

"It is with great sadness that I comment today on my doping sanction," said Mr. Welsh. "I am ashamed of my actions and will forever regret my poor choice. It is important for me to note that my family, coach, close friends, team and teammates had absolutely no knowledge of my decision to order banned substances. I fully cooperated with CCES because I wanted to be honest and to explain my experiences with doping in the sport of cycling. I take pride in the fact that I have never used a performance-enhancing substance. I hope that my experience can serve to inform and educate other young athletes regarding the risks and dangers of doping and to inspire them to not succumb to the desire to win at any cost."

In compliance with rule 7.10 of the CADP, a copy of the CCES' reasoned decision can be seen Here. The athlete, who resides in Barrie, Ontario, is ineligible to participate in any capacity with any sport signatory to the CADP, including training with teammates.