USADA announced today that Julio Cruz, of Hialeah Gardens, Fla., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a suspension for his doping offense.
Cruz, 43, tested positive for Methylhexaneamine, a stimulant, as a result of a urine sample collected at the Parkland Circuit -BBPA, on April 15, 2012, in Parkland, Fla. Stimulants are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Methylhexaneamine is classified as a Specified Substance, and therefore the presence of that substance in an athlete’s sample can result in a reduced sanction.
Cruz accepted a sanction resulting in a 6-month period of ineligibility, beginning on August 27, 2012, the date he accepted a provisional suspension. As a result of the sanction, Cruz is also disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to April 15, 2012, the date of the Parkland Circuit – BBPA, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
Cruz informed USADA that at the time of his positive test he had taken a supplement which upon further review listed 1,3-Dimethylpentylamine (Apple Geranium) on the label. 1,3-Dimethylpentylamine is a name sometimes used by supplement companies to refer to methylhexaneamine. USADA issued an athlete advisory on June 16, 2011 to make athletes aware of the concerns regarding methylhexaneamine, including issues involving supplement labeling. That advisory can be found on the USADA website at https://www.usada.org/media/methylhexaneamine-and-dietary-supplements. USADA also provides cautionary dietary supplement information to athletes, their support personnel and the public at www.supplement411.org.
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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