USADA announced today that Robert Baatz, of Lewisville, Texas, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a two-year sanction for the anti-doping rule violation.
Baatz, 48, provided an in-competition urine sample on March 12, 2016, at the Tour of Corsicana in Corsicana, Texas, as a part of the RaceClean Program that works to fight doping at the amateur level of cycling through close collaboration with USA Cycling, Race Directors and local Cycling Associations. The goal of the RaceClean program is to increase testing and education at the amateur level to provide greater doping deterrence.
His sample tested positive for the presence of an exogenous androgenic anabolic steroid and/or its metabolites, which was confirmed by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) analysis. Anabolic Agents are prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing (the Protocol), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) National Anti-Doping Policies (USOC NADP), and the International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After a thorough review of the case, including Baatz’s medical records, USADA has accepted his explanation that the substance was contained within a prescribed medication he was taking in a therapeutic does under the care of a qualified physician. However, Baatz lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
Baatz’s period of ineligibility began on March 12, 2016, the date his positive sample was collected. In addition, Baatz has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to March 12, 2016, 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. More on the RaceClean Program including monthly reports can be found at: http://www.usacycling.org/usa-cycling-raceclean-program.htm
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