WEB Bahrain Victorious Say They Believe Robert Stannard; UCI Responds with Damning Doping Decision
Robert Stannard Re-Signs with Bahrain Victorious
Australian Robert Stannard, 25, has rejoined the WorldTour with Bahrain Victorious.
Stannard signed with immediate effect after accepting a backdated four-year ban from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for an anti-doping violation.
UCI Anti-Doping Tribunal Decision
The UCI advised that the UCI Anti-Doping Tribunal has rendered a decision in the case of Stannard.
The tribunal found that Stannard committed an anti-doping rule violation and imposed a four-year period of ineligibility, starting from January 24, 2018, to January 23, 2022.
Stannard's Statement
Stannard released a statement saying he was notified by the UCI that they consider he committed an anti-doping violation.
He said he accepts the decision and takes full responsibility for his actions.
Stannard also stated that he believes he can still contribute to the sport and is grateful for the opportunity to return to racing.
Bahrain Victorious' Response
Bahrain Victorious said in a statement that they believe Stannard and are confident he can make a positive contribution to the team.
The team added that they have a zero-tolerance policy towards doping and will support Stannard in his return to racing.
Timeline of Events
- 2018: Stannard suspended for unexplained anomalies in his biological passport.
- 2022: UCI Anti-Doping Tribunal renders a decision finding Stannard committed an anti-doping rule violation.
- Stannard accepts a four-year ban, backdated to January 24, 2018.
- Stannard signs with Bahrain Victorious with immediate effect.
Additional Information
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), an anti-doping rule violation is defined as the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete's sample, the use or attempted use by an athlete of a prohibited substance or prohibited method, or the refusal or failure to submit to sample collection after notification as authorized.
The UCI is responsible for enforcing the World Anti-Doping Code in cycling.
Athletes who violate the anti-doping rules may face a range of sanctions, including ineligibility from competition, disqualification of results, and loss of prize money.
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