Chodroff admits, while Sevilla denies doping
Today, American cyclist Jonathan Chodroff came forward to confess the purchase and use of erythropoietin (EPO) in 2007. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has responded, dealing him a two-year cycling ban.
“While Jonathan made mistakes and broke the rules he did the right thing when confronted and accepted responsibility and the consequences,” said USADA CEO Travis Tygart. “He didn’t lie about it and didn’t force us to spend precious resources to prove the
truth. He did the honourable thing in accepting the penalty.”
Chodroff, who turned professional in 2009, was contacted by the USADA last week in relation to an investigation, and the admitted guilt to them immediately. He made the confessional public today and urged other American riders, in light of the USADA’s current
investigations, to come forward themselves. He ended his season early two months ago and was planning on taking next year off anyway.
“I’ve talked to my closest friends and family, around 15 people, and I hope they would stand by me. I’ve been amazed by how supportive and understanding they’ve been towards me. They recognize that good people make bad mistakes in life.”
Doping news tends to appear in bursts, and Chodroff’s confessional appeared only a day after Spaniard Oscar Sevilla was dealt a provisional suspension by the UCI. A test taken during the Vuelta a Colombia, in which Sevilla finished
in second overall, returned positive for hydroxyethyl starch, a substance banned by the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
"I found out this morning and woke up with the news,” said Sevilla today to
Biciciclismo. “I'm surprised because I do not know what that substance is and where it came from.”
The Spaniard, who rode for Colombian team Indeportes-Antioquia in the Vuelta a Colombia, has denied the allegations and is waiting for the B-sample to be tested. If that is proven positive, he will be dealt a two-year ban, if not,
his provisional ban will end.
“I'm talking to the doctors to see what may have happened. I have a clear conscience, I have not done anything irresponsible and will have to wait.”
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