In February 2017 the National Doping Control Commission of Chile (CNCD) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the cyclist Nicolás González Gutiérrez after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Erythropoietin (EPO). After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the Disciplinary Panel of the Tribunal de Expertos en Dopaje (TED).
The Athlete admitted the violation and stated that the day before the Doping Control the product EPO 2000 UI was administered. He explained that he was the youngest of his group and that it was tempting for him to inject these substances to improve his performance. Finally, due to pressure and competitiveness, he decided to inject himself with the product.
The Athlete provided substantial assistance to the CNCD and provided the names of other athletes involved in doping. The CNCD indicated that this information as evidence was not sufficient enough to establish anti-doping rule violations.
On 15 December 2017 the TED Disciplinary Panel concludes that the Athlete intentionally committed the anti-doping rule violation and decides to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. 21 February 2017.
