USADA announced today that Todd Robertson of Boulder, Colo., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted an eight-year suspension for his second anti-doping rule violation.
Robertson, 51, tested positive for the banned stimulant Modafinil as the result of an in-competition sample collected at the Masters Road Championships in Bend, Ore., on September 5, 2013. Stimulants are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code. Robertson tested positive for a banned oxygen-enhancing peptide hormone in 2011, and in accordance with the rules, as this is his second offense, Robertson has accepted an eight-year suspension.
“After having served a suspension in 2011, I never expected to find myself in this situation again,” said Todd Robertson. “I was very aware and conscious of all supplements I took in the last 2+ years and have been tested several times since with those in my system. While I will not be racing any sanctioned events in the future, and although I still do not know how or why a banned stimulant was found in my system, I very much respect USADA and the process.”
Robertson’s eight-year period of ineligibility began on November 10, 2013, the day he accepted a provisional suspension. Robertson is also disqualified from all competitive results obtained on or subsequent to September 5, 2013 the date his sample was collected, 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.
For more information or media inquiries, click here.