On 21 July 2015 the French Cycling Federation (FCC) Appeal Panel decided to impose a reduced 3 month period of ineligibility on the cyclist for his evasion, refusal or failure to submit to sample collection.
The Doping Control Officers reported that the selected Athlete failed to appear for sample collection at a competition in April 2015.
Hereafter the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) reopened the case against the Athlete. Following notification the Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard.
The Athlete admitted the violation, denied that he acted intentionally and requested for a reduced sanction. He asserted that he was unaware that he had been selected for sample collection, nor was he notified.
The Athlete argued that he was present at the finish line and that he also had not received a telephone call. The next day he provided a sample which tested negative for banned substances.
The AFLD deems that the Athlete's violation was not intentional. Further the AFLD considers that he acted with a degree of fault and negligence and that he was tested the next day. Moreover the AFLD establishes that at the competition no chapperonnes were available, neither the telephone number to contact the Athlete.
Therefore the AFLD decides on 7 January 2016 to impose a 1 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete.
