USADA announced today that US cycling athlete Duane Dickey of Cokato, Minnesota, has accepted a lifetime period of ineligibility for a second anti-doping rule violation based on his use and possession of synthetic erythropoietin (EPO) as well as his refusal to submit to sample collection.
EPO, a synthetic hormone used to stimulate the body’s production of red blood cells, thereby increasing oxygen transport and aerobic power, is a prohibited substance in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors and Related Substances under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union (UCI), both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Additionally, under the Code, an athlete’s refusal to provide a sample when notified constitutes a rule violation. Dickey 41, refused to take part in a USADA Out-of-Competition doping control test on May 11, 2010.
Dickey’s lifetime period of ineligibility began on September 1, 2010, the day he accepted the sanction. Additionally, Dickey is disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to April 2, 2007, the date he first committed the anti-doping rule violations, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
Dickey had previously received a one year suspension in 2002 after testing positive for the prohibited substances phentermine, boldenone and nandrolone in a sample taken from him at the 2001 Tour of Guatemala.
Read the announcement of Dickey’s first sanction https://www.usada.org/files/active/resources/press_releases/PressRelease_8_30_2002_b.pdf
Read the arbitration ruling for Dickey’s first sanction
https://www.usada.org/files/active/resources/press_releases/PressRelease_8_30_2002_c.pdf
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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