USADA announced today that Todd Robertson of Boulder, Colo., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a 15 month suspension for an anti-doping rule violation and his competitive results from November 1, 2009, have been disqualified.
Robertson, 49, tested positive for a banned oxygen-enhancing peptide hormone as the result of a sample collected as part of USADA’s Out of Competition Testing Program on February 11, 2011. Oxygen-Enhancing Peptide Hormones are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code.
Robertson’s 15 month period of ineligibility was reduced from the standard two-year period based on his providing Substantial Assistance under article 10.5.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code. Robertson began serving his sanction on February 14, 2011, while continuing to cooperate with USADA. As a result of the sanction, Robertson is also disqualified from all competitive results obtained on or subsequent to November 1, 2009, the date of his first use according to his admissions during the course of USADA’s investigation, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
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