Margarita Fullana suspended for using EPO
Margarita Fullana has been dealt a provisional suspension by the International Cyclists Union (UCI) for testing positive for the use of Erythropoietin (EPO). The former world mountain biking champion was
found to have used EPO by a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited lab in Montreal and will remain provisionally suspended until the Spanish Cycling Federation makes a ruling.
"I made the stupidest mistake of my life," said Fullana. "I had a very bad year both physically and mentally. I started the year with enthusiasm, but could not find my rhythm in any race," Fullana explained.”
Since the cyclist has admitted guilt, the ruling process should be quick and the 38-year-old rider can expect a two-year suspension, and perhaps permanent voluntary retirement. According to Fullana, the
press knew about her positive result before she did, another example of the mismanagement of test results and their suspicious tendency to be immediately leaked.
"I don't have any specific information about any specific leaks - it's a discussion I've had and I'm on the executive board of WADA,” said UCI president Pat McQuaid. “It's a topic I've brought up with
the board of WADA; they do their best to ensure those leaks don't happen. Other than that I can't comment."
Fullana’s positive test makes her the fifth major Spanish cyclist implicated in the use of doping so far this month. Oscar Sevilla was the first to be dealt a suspension, while on Thursday it was reported
that Galician riders David Garcia and Vuelta a Espana runner-up Ezequiel Mosquera were sanctioned by the UCI and that triple Tour de France winner Alberto Contador had tested positive for banned substances. In response, McQuaid has been openly critical of
Spanish cycling.
"We have, over the past month for instance, sanctioned four big Spanish riders; that started with Sevilla, and then in recent days includes Mosquera, David Garcia Dapena and today, Fullana," said McQuaid.
"I don't want to stigmatise Spain but what I do say is that I hope that the Spanish government, with the laws it has - which along with France and Italy, has the strictest law against doping but to my mind up until today hasn't been properly implemented -
that they would take note and realise that something needs to be done."
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