USADA announced today that the independent American Arbitration Association/Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS) has issued a written decision that Alberto Blanco, an athlete in the sport of cycling, committed a doping violation and will receive a two-year suspension for the offense.
Blanco, 29, of San Mateo, California, provided a sample on December 15, 2008, after completing the second stage of the Tour of the South China Sea competition held December 14-21, 2008. The sample resulted in an Adverse Analytical Finding for testosterone metabolites of exogenous (i.e. synthetic) origin, which are prohibited in the class of Anabolic Agents on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List, which has been adopted by the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the rules of the International Cycling Union (UCI).
Blanco’s two-year period of ineligibility began December 15, 2008, the day of his positive test. As a result of the doping violation, Blanco has also been disqualified from all competitive results achieved at and subsequent to the 2008Tour of the South China Sea competition, 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 psychoactive 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.
For more information or media inquiries, click here.