USADA announced today that Oscar Tovar, a Colombian athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a two-year sanction for his doping offense.
Tovar, 32, tested positive for testosterone, which was confirmed by CIR (GC/C/IRMS) analysis, as a result of an in-competition urine sample he provided on May 17, 2015 at the Gran Fondo New York. USADA was contracted by event organizers to conduct testing and results management for the event and collected Tovar’s sample in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”) International Standard for Testing. Anabolic Agents are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing which has adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List.
After a thorough review of the case, including a review of Tovar’s medical records, USADA determined that a two-year period of ineligibility was the appropriate outcome in this case. Tovar’s two-year period of ineligibility began on May 17, 2015, the day the sample was collected. In addition, Tovar has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved in competitions sanctioned by the UCI or any Code signatory on and subsequent to May 17, 2015, 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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