On 17 November 2015 the French Federation of Workers and Amateurs in Sports (FSGT) Appeal Panel decided to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the cyclist after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substances 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone (Nandrolone).
Thereupon 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 denied the intentional use of the substances and asserted that his prostate cancer could explain the positive test results. Further he disputed the bad conditions for sample collection at the competititon and insisted that his B sample should be analysed in another accredited laboratory.
The AFLD determines that:
- The Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation;
- He failed to demonstrate with corroborating evidence that his medical condition could explain the positive test results;
- Only intentional use could explain the high concentration Nandrolone metabolites established in his samples;
- The circumstances at the competition were approprate enough for sample collection;
- Under the Rules the A and B samples must be analysed in the same laboratory.
Therefore the AFLD decides on 3 February 2016:
- To uphold the FSGT Appeal Panel decision for the imposition of a 2 year ban on the Athlete; and
- To extend the sanction for application with other relevant French sports federations.
