The Right Boost

Photo © Pasquale Stalteri Photography / Miroir du Cyclisme 

In my last article I alluded to the fact that EPO was arguably the most dangerous drug in sport and due to the contradictory feedback defending its safety, I have decided to explain further.

Erythropoietin increases hematocrit levels (volume percentage of blood made up of red blood cells) thus increasing the amount of oxygen available to working muscles which is vital to endurance athletes. In doing so, the blood becomes very thick and with inevitable dehydration suffered during events, hematocrit levels can rise dangerously high, rendering blood as thick as syrup and prompting cardiovascular damage or heart attacks.

As explaining in my original article, EPO can make the blood so thick that during sleep when the heart is pumping its slowest, the blood cannot pump through the arteries prompting a massive heart attack.

The only reason why there is so little proof of EPO fatalities is because erythropoietin is not detectable through regular blood tests and also because it disappears from the body within 48 hours.

Since the advent of EPO on the European market in 1986, cyclists were among the first known athletes to experiment with this wonder drug and many suffered the consequences of this experimentation and over the last 25 years, many more have followed.

In 1987, five Dutch cyclists died mysteriously in their sleep from heart attacks with no known cause. In 1988, two more Dutch and one Belgian cyclist died. In 1989, five more Dutch cyclists died. In 1990, two Dutch and three Belgian cyclist died. In one highly publicised case, Dutch cyclist Johannes Draaijer, age 27,  was known to be using EPO prior to dying of a massive heart attack.

If you think that EPO use has become safer since its early induction; think again. Unless you have a team of doctors by your side monitoring your every move, this drug can prove to be your worst nightmare.

Caffeine

Photo © Pasquale Stalteri Photography / Miroir du Cyclisme 

The word "coffee" originates from ancient Arabic (gahweh) meaning "gives strength". So the effects of caffeine, the main stimulant in coffee, have been known for thousands of years.

Research studies on the use of caffeine in sports often show contradicting results due to some obvious flaws. Some studies have used sedentary people as test subjects while others have not taken their subject's previous use or non use of caffeine into account prior to testing.

So let me set the record straight as far as how to optimize this performance booster and then you be the judge. If the novelty of the word "caffeine" has worn off and doesn't impress you, then you may be pleasantly surprised.

Important notes:

• Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increases the release of adrenalin, increases the use of bodyfat as a fuel and spares glycogen when glycogen levels are low.
• Dehydration and increased body temperature are directly dependent on a subject's fitness level and studies using trained athletes showed very little increase of either.
• Studies show that some component(s) in coffee interferes with the normal ergogenic response of caffeine. Therefore use standardized caffeine supplements or in my opinion, better quality, freshly ground coffee although the exact mg amount may vary significantly from various roasts.
• Studies involving cyclists showed an 18% increase in time to exhaustion and an increase in exercise intensity of up to 24% while reducing lactic acid build-up.

How to use caffeine to boost performance:

• Ingest less than 25mg/day for a 2-4 week period prior to attempting to boost performance.
• Ingest less than 10mg/day if boosting performance on a weekly basis.
• Ingest 2-5mg/Kg of lean body weight 2 - 4 hours prior to event.
• Adjust timing and dosages accordingly.

Although products containing caffeine can be readily found in every household, caffeine is still a drug and should be used cautiously and with moderation. Furthermore, to get the desired training effects while using caffeine, daily consumption of coffee or other caffeine based products should be kept to a bare minimum.

When taken within legal limits, the proper use of caffeine may significantly improve both training and race performances without sacrificing your health or creating a scandal.

Pasquale Stalteri

Related Links:

Journal of Applied Physiology

Bicycling Magazine

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All Rights Are Reserved Without Prejudice.

Anything contained within this document is the property of Pasquale Stalteri and may not be further copied, photographed, reproduced, translated, transformed or transmitted, in whole or in part, without prior express written consent from Pasquale Stalteri.

The contents of this document may not be sold or used for personal gain without the prior express written consent of Pasquale Stalteri.

The following information is intended for educational purposes only and Pasquale Stalteri does not assume any responsibility for any injuries or health issues which may arise from the applied use of this information.

Pasqiuale Stalteri strongly advises that you consult with a doctor or health care professional prior to embarking upon any exercise or diet regimen.

Pasquale Stalteri does not guarantee accuracy, completeness and or topicality of the information presented within this document.

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Dying to Win

Dying to Win 
by Pasquale Stalteri

_________________________________________

Dying to win © Pasquale Stalteri

Since posting my original article claiming that drugs are an integral part of professional cycling, I received a lot of messages claiming the contrary. Perhaps some of the recent drug admissions prove my point but many will still argue that these are just isolated incidents.

Many athletes approached me with very defensive tones which immediately raised a red flag while others were simply inquisitive. 

But some went as far as to call me a "dumb photographer" and suggested that I stick to topics I know about, namely photography. Which I chose to take in stride as a compliment towards my photography work.

For the latter, I would like to point out that prior to becoming a professional photographer, I spent 15 years of my life as an athletic trainer and having worked with many amateur and professional athletes, I stand behind my earlier statements.

In the words of former WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) president Dick Pound " "It is very hard to quantify the scale of the (drugs cheating) problem. Some countries understand the problem, but don't know how to go about solving it. Some are still trying to pretend there is no problem."

And to get an even better  perspective of the problem, in 2005 Interpol estimated the trade of performance enhancing drugs to be approximately $19 billion dollars worldwide. Considering the fact that elite athletes make up such a small portion of society, this is too significant an amount to dismiss as "it can't be happening here".

While the recent positive drug tests of (presently two) prominent Quebec cyclists comes as a surprise to most, it comes as a welcome relief to others. Having some insight into what has been escalating behind the scenes in our beautiful sport, I am not surprised and would have actually expected many more.

And while these elite athletes serve 2 year bans, there are numerous others that will continue racing undetected and serve as role models within their tight knit groups of fellow users.

The Grim Reality and Why Athletes are Dying to Win

Performance enhancing agents are unlike recreational drugs in the sense that they are easily kept secret from friends and family and users characteristically do not reveal their secret unless they are caught red handed.

For those who are completely naïve to drug use in cycling, let me shed some light on the subject. In certain circles, drugs are considered part of the equipment such as wheels or tires and are therefore referred to as "gear". And like equipment, some race using Shimano or SRAM or Campagnolo, while some use other combinations and at the end of the day, regardless of preference, it all gets the job done. And although some are more reliable than others, as long as you know what to expect, it's all good.

The difference being that drugs will likely ruin your health. So why do athletes willingly choose to gamble with their long term health for the chance of winning a plastic trophy and a few moments of glory?

Simply put, the positive physical and psychological effects of the drugs are such that it's difficult for athletes to comprehend how something which makes them feel so strong and powerful can also be causing irreparable damage.

Anabolic Steroids

When used in the off season combined with the proper weight training regimen, steroids can significantly increase muscular strength and power while also dramatically speeding up recovery times thus allowing for more intense training sessions more often yielding faster results.

Steroids also increase insulin sensitivity allowing working muscles to replenish depleted glycogen stores more efficiently and when combined with a high carb diet and insulin injections, allow muscles to hold additional glycogen which can in turn be used to train harder and for extended periods of time. Fuller muscles also hold more water making dehydration less of an issue on prolonged intense training rides.

A reasonable percentage of off season strength and power can then be maintained long after the drugs are reduced or discontinued during the racing season. Red blood cell mass will also remain elevated for months after anabolic agents are discontinued.

To quote Dr. Michael Colgan "Given two athletes with the same fitness level, the stronger one will always prevail".

Steroids increase red blood cell mass and although not as dramatically as EPO, combining the two allows for micro doses of each  to work synergistically and quite effectively while lowering the risk of detection.

During the racing season, fast acting anabolic steroids which are in and out of the system without a trace are chosen over their safer counterparts due to drug testing issues. Athletes who get caught for using fast acting steroids are simply consuming dosages which are too large to clear the system regardless of the fast acting effects. The same can be said of most athletes testing positive for EPO.

Side Effects

Erythropoietin

EPO is arguably the most dangerous drug in sport but because it is so easily attainable it also tends to be the most misused and or abused, in spite of many athletes having suffered its deadly consequences.

To be blunt, EPO use can be fatal and when athletes first started experimenting with this drug, many died. Large doses of EPO can make the blood so thick that during sleep when the heart is pumping its slowest, the blood cannot pump through the arteries prompting a massive heart attack.

In order to avoid this, athletes then started using prescription blood thinners such as trade name Heparin in order to thin the blood following races and since drug testing wasn't completely up to date yet, Heparin made its way onto the list of banned substances along with various other blood thinners that were commonly used.

Later, markers in the EPO itself made it readily detectable but then underground labs and numerous companies began producing the drug marker free. Drug tests then started concentrating on elevated hematocrit levels but drug users found another rather simple way to beat the tests; plain detergent proved capable of completely destroying any traces of EPO from urine samples. The only draw back was that it also destroyed all naturally occurring Erythropoietin and so this raised red flags as well.

As the cat and mouse game continues, no method of use or testing has ever proven to be completely safe or foolproof although certain athletes are convinced that they are ahead of the game and that anyone who still gets caught using EPO is simply ill advised as to its optimal use for avoiding detection.

Side Effects

Growth Hormone

In spite of the lofty price tag and lavish claims, GH actually does very little on its own to boost athletic performance. But combining it with androgens seems to boost both substances effectiveness thus requiring less of each in order to achieve the desired effects. But since Growth Hormone and Insulin are antagonistic hormones, GH must often be countered with Insulin injections thus requiring regular blood sugar readings etc…

Due to its rejuvenating effects, GH is mostly used during the off season to help athletes recover from lingering injuries suffered during the competitive season.

Another drug which some male athletes use is HCG which provides a mild boost by elevating natural testosterone production and until recently was completely undetectable.

And the list goes on.

Of course there are also amphetamines, masking agents, masking techniques and a multitude of other stand alone and support products readily available and used by athletes but my objective was not to provide a "How To" manual on drug use but rather to provide some insight into the world of professional athletes which you may not have been aware of and why this is such a complex problem. A problem which many still believe to be non existent.

What is the Solution?

One immediate solution could be to subject athletes starting at intermediate levels to regular on and off season blood and or urine tests regardless of the costs, which can easily be added on to the price of obtaining a racing licence and or inscription fees etc…

Offenders could then be subjected to hefty fines in order to subsidize the drug cleanup program ....

But before we start brainstorming for workable solutions, we have to first admit that there's a problem.

In the weeks and months ahead, if and when the names of more Quebec riders are revealed as having tested positive for banned substances, I hope that once we get over the initial shock, that we finally begin to grasp the reality and magnitude of this crisis and look for practical solutions rather than continuing to look away.

As I stated in my original article, making examples of individuals who get caught and wanting to believe that they are part of the few rather than the many is a naïve attempt to fix a complex and growing problem which needs immediate attention.

Pasquale Stalteri

Related Articles:

La Flamme Rouge

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Quebec Champion tests positive

Miguel Agreda followed by Brett Tivers © Pasquale Stalteri Photography / All Rights Reserved

In yet another story broken yesterday by Veloptimum, another well-known Quebec cyclist and member of the Garneau - Club Chaussures team admits to doping after being served notice by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in sports.

The doping scandal in Quebec continues as Miguel Agreda Rojas who also claims to have acted alone confesses to doping within days of team-mate Arnaud Papillon's admission and receives  a 2 year suspension with possibly further retribution yet to come.

Miguel Agreda Rojas, originally from Peru, exploded onto the Quebec cycling scene in 2011 as a member of the powerhouse Garneau-Club Chaussures team and was instrumental in many of the team's victories and top finishes. A well respected cyclist in the peleton, Miguel Agreda was a prominent Quebec cyclist in  2011 and is Quebec's current criterium champion and member of the Quebec champion team time trial squad.

Pasquale Stalteri

Agreda releaed the following statement: 

It is with great regret that I informed in the late afternoon my cycling club president and my employer that I had been suspended by the CCES (Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports) for using prohibited substances as a competitive cyclist.

I realize now the immense impact of the actions that I undertook, the grief, disappointment and disgrace incurred for the benefit of my personal sporting performance by the people around me who supported me.

I acted alone and without telling anyone, betraying thereby the ethical rules governing my sport.

I realize now that because of this move, I lose both my reputation as an athlete and the confidence of my teammates. I can hardly find words to explain my behavior and, as I can not fix the past, it only remains for me to apologize publicly, from the depths of my heart, to the employer that allowed me to practice my profession in this sport which is my passion.

It is with humility and resignation that I accept the sanction of the CCES, the suspension from cycling for two years and the period of suspension imposed by my employer for this serious breach of ethics. I intend to use this time to walk as a man and athlete, with the support given to me by my employer, despite the harm that I have caused.

How can I tell all who share this passion for cycling that the way forward to achieve the highest steps of the podium is not the one I used?

This confession is perhaps the beginning.

I will not comment further.

Miguel Agreda

More will be posted as the story progresses ….

Related links:

Veloptimum

La Flamme Rouge

Radio Canada

La Presse

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Arnaud Papillon Suspended

Arnaud Papillon (Garneau - Club Chaussures)  © Pasquale Stalteri / All Rights Reserved

As broken by Veloptimum early this morning, Arnaud Papillon is the latest Quebec cyclist to test positive for a banned substance and was incidentally stripped of his silver medal (2011 U23 Canadian Championship road race), received a two-year ban from competition and a lifetime ban from Sport Canada funding.

But why are we so surprised and disappointed?

For those who still believe in Santa Claus or the tooth Fairy, it's time for a wake up call. The vast majority of elite pro cyclists use performance enhancing substances and with the sport growing and more Quebec cyclists joining the ranks of the elite, it is inevitable that the percentage of those who get caught for doping related offences will rise accordingly.

In the early 80's any competitive cyclist in Quebec who doped could be rightfully considered a cheater due to the fact that most athletes were not even aware that performance enhancing drugs existed. And during this era, it was not uncommon to see those doped riders attempt solo breakaways and successfully lap the peleton with relative ease on any given Sunday.

Since then, athletes have become aware of the secrets once shared among the elite few and now the majority are using performance enhancing substances in order to simply maintain a level playing field. So are they really cheating?

I believe that if no one used drugs that all the same athletes would remain the elite but how can we successfully ensure that all athletes are clean?

Post race drug tests alone are not the answer since, as sophisticated and expensive as they may be, are often only capable of detecting certain "masking agents" rather than the performance enhancing drugs themselves. Allowing athletes using newer undetectable masking substances to pass as clean.

Athletes are therefore left to fend for themselves in order to ensure that they are not outperformed due to inadequate training, inferior equipment and or insufficient dosages. This is the reality of professional cycling and until we grasp this reality and work towards finding practical solutions, it will continue to expand and evolve.

Most elite athletes who have already invested so much time and money into their careers are simply not going to stop doping in fear of being left behind and losing all they have invested. And with the risk of getting caught being marginal at best, the choice becomes obvious. 

Subsequently, suspending the odd rider who does get caught does very little towards cleaning the overall sport nor protecting the athletes but rather strengthens the resolve of those wanting to continue racing undetected and those invested in providing these athletes with the right combination of agents aimed at beating the drug tests.

The bottom line is that until we find a completely foolproof method of drug detection, the vast majority of professional athletes really have no choice other than to dope, use masking drugs and or whatever else their fellow competitors are using in order to stay competitive and remain part of the elite.

To single out certain individuals from this pool and label them as cheaters is  a naïve attempt to fix a complex problem. It is almost as naïve as the belief that Lance Armstrong was completely clean. Or maybe you still believe in Santa Claus?

Pasquale Stalteri


 ____________________________________________________________

Arnaud Papillon 2010 U23 road champion
© Pasquale Stalteri 

L'ASSOCIATION CYCLISTE CANADIENNE ANNULE LES RÉSULTATS D'ARNAUD PAPILLON AU CHAMPIONNAT CANADIEN DE CYCLISME SUR ROUTE

Les conclusions du CCES entraînent une suspension de deux ans de la compétition pour ce cycliste

L'Association cycliste canadienne (ACC) a appris avec surprise et une grande tristesse les résultats du contrôle antidopage réalisé sur un cycliste québécois au Championnat canadien de cyclisme sur route de 2011, par le Centre canadien pour l'éthique dans le sport (CCES).

John Tolkamp, le président de l'ACC a fortement réagi à cette nouvelle : «Cet événement est loin d'être anodin. Il fait de nombreuses victimes. En effet, tous nos athlètes et la communauté du cyclisme dans son ensemble s'en ressentent, car c'est une attaque à notre identité. Nous sommes plus fiers d'une quatrième place remportée par l'effort et la persévérance, que d'une médaille d'or souillée. Nous continuerons donc à nous montrer vigilants et nous nous attendons à ce que nos athlètes respectent les normes éthiques les plus élevées qui soit.»

L'ACC s'oppose fermement et de manière inflexible à toutes les formes de dopage, et elle a pris des mesures exceptionnelles pour surveiller, tester et éduquer les athlètes qui pratiquent le cyclisme. Depuis le mois d'avril dernier, 392 tests ont été effectués sur les athlètes du réservoir national, et notamment des analyses d'urine et sanguines, ce qui fait du cyclisme un des sports les plus testés au Canada. Parmi ces tests, 229 ont été des tests inopinés, sans préavis, effectués hors compétition. La dernière fois qu'un test de dopage a entraîné une suspension en cyclisme au Canada, c'était en mai 2005, soit il y a plus de six ans. Le cyclisme canadien a pris très au sérieux ses responsabilités en matière de dopage, et il a mis en place des initiatives antidopage adéquates pour combattre ce fléau.

Tous les membres des équipes nationales de cyclisme, et tous les participants aux Championnats canadiens de cyclisme, font partie du programme «Race Clean: Own Your Victory / Roulez gagnant au naturel» qui est le porte-drapeau de la lutte contre le dopage au Canada. Ce programme éducatif, élaboré pour et par les athlètes, est à l'avant-scène de toutes les activités de l'équipe nationale et des Championnats canadiens de cyclisme depuis deux ans.

Commentant davantage cet événement au nom de l'ACC, le chef de la direction et secrétaire général de l'ACC, Greg Mathieu a déclaré : «Il est malheureux qu'un athlète pratiquant notre sport ait choisi d'emprunter un raccourci pour obtenir de bonnes performances. Le fait que le régime très strict de tests de notre association nationale, avec la collaboration du CCES, ait identifié le problème, devrait servir de rappel à tous ceux et celles qui envisageraient de tricher car ils savent qu'ils seront attrapés et sévèrement sanctionnés.»

Et Mathieu poursuit : «Nous allons continuer à intensifier nos efforts d'éducation à tous les niveaux du cyclisme, afin que tous nos athlètes courent de manière juste et équitable. En plus de nos initiatives d'éducation de nos athlètes, nous allons continuer à collaborer avec l'UCI, le CCES et d'autres partenaires afin d'améliorer nos procédures et nos programmes visant à garantir que le cyclisme soit un sport juste et équitable.»

L'Association cycliste canadienne demande à Arnaud Papillon de coopérer complètement avec le CCES dans son enquête visant à déterminer la source de la substance interdite, et l'éventuelle participation d'autres personnes à ce problème de dopage.

Conformément à la politique canadienne antidopage, le CCES a imposé à M. Papillon une suspension de deux ans de toute compétition. Il est également suspendu à vie de toute subvention de Sport Canada.

Suite à ces conclusions du CCES, l'Association cycliste canadienne (ACC) a modifié les résultats des courses du Championnat canadien de cyclisme sur route de 2011 auxquelles M. Papillon a participé, et modifié le palmarès dans la catégorie des moins de 23 ans, une course à laquelle M. Papillon avait terminé à la deuxième place.

MISE À JOUR DU PODIUM – Course sur route masculine des moins de 23 ans au Championnat canadien de cyclisme sur route de 2011

1. HOULE, Hugo [TEAM SPIDERTECH POWERED BY C10]

2. RIGGS, Jamie [TEAM ONTARIO]

3. SMITHEMAN, Spencer [HAGENS BERMAN LLP ELITE CYCLING]

CONTACT MÉDIA

Guy Napert-Frenette

Gestionnaire des communications

Association cycliste canadienne

(403) 614-4275

CANADIAN CYCLING ASSOCIATION NULLIFIES ARNAUD PAPILLON’S RESULTS AT CANADIAN ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Arnaud Papillon 2010 U23 Canadian road champion © Pasquale Stalteri

CCES Findings Lead to Two-Year Suspension from Competitive Cycling

The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) is shocked and saddened to learn of the adverse analytical finding of Arnaud Papillon, a cyclist from Longueuil, Québec, as a result of an anti-doping test administered by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) at the 2011 Canadian Road Championships.

John Tolkamp, President of the CCA reacted strongly to the news; "This is not a victimless event; from our athletes to the broad cycling community the repercussions are felt and it tears at our identity. We are more proud of a single 4th place earned by sweat and perseverance than any tainted gold medal and will continue to be vigilant and expect our athletes to uphold themselves to the highest standards."

The CCA is firmly and adamantly opposed to all forms of doping and has taken exceptional measures to monitor, test and educate athletes in the sport. Since April of last year, 392 tests have been conducted on the national pool of cyclists including blood and urine testing making it one of the most tested sports in Canada. Of those tests 229 were out of competition, no notice tests. The last adverse analytical finding in the sport which resulted in a suspension from competition occurred in May of 2005, well over six years ago. Cycling in Canada has taken its anti-doping responsibilities seriously and developed anti-doping initiatives to address it.

Each national team athlete and Canadian Championship participant competes under the ‘Race Clean: Own Your Victory / Roulez gagnant au naturel’ banner on behalf of Canada. This education program, developed with and by the athletes, has been in the forefront of the national team and Canadian Cycling Championships for the past two years.

Speaking further on behalf of the CCA, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General Greg Mathieu said: “It is unfortunate to learn that an athlete in our sport has chosen to take a short cut to performance. The fact that the rigorous testing regime of the national body with the collaboration of the CCES identified the problem should serve as a reminder to any that would cheat that they will be caught and sanctioned harshly”.

Added Mathieu: “We will continue to enhance our efforts to educate around doping in our sport so that all athletes compete on a fair and equal basis. Besides educating our athletes we will continue to work with the UCI, CCES and other partners to improve processes and programs to ensure fair sport.”

The Canadian Cycling Association is calling upon Arnaud Papillon to cooperate fully with the CCES in its investigation on the source of the banned substance and the possible involvement of others in this doping matter.

In accordance with the Canadian Anti-doping Policy the CCES has imposed a two-year ban from competition on Arnaud Papillon. He also receives a lifetime ban from receiving Sport Canada funding.

As a result of this finding, the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) has revised the results of the 2011 Canadian Cycling Championships races in which he participated, as well as updated the podium for the U23 category, a race in which Papillon finished second.

UPDATED PODIUM – U– CANADIAN ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. HOULE, Hugo [TEAM SPIDERTECH POWERED BY C10]

2. RIGGS, Jamie [TEAM ONTARIO]

3. SMITHEMAN, Spencer [HAGENS BERMAN LLP ELITE CYCLING]

MEDIA CONTACTS

Guy Napert-Frenette

Manager, Communications

Canadian Cycling Association

(403) 614-4275

____________________________________________________________

Arnaud Papillon (Garneau - Club Chaussures) 
© Pasquale Stalteri

For immediate release

Arnaud Papillon tested positive for illegal substances

LOUIS GARNEAU DISAPPOINTED

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, October 19, 2011 - We were extremely disappointed to learn that cyclist Arnaud Papillon tested positive for illegal substances at the Canadian Championships, held June 23 – 26, 2011. He was a member of Team Garneau, Team Quebec and Team Canada.

We condemn this gesture that goes against the very nature of sportsmanship and is purely and simply cheating. Arnaud Papillon made a bad judgment call, due no doubt to his youth and he acted on his own.

We have decided to go ahead with three preventive actions starting next season:

1)      Increase our team members’ awareness against doping and help educate them accordingly

2)      Identify our team jersey with the  Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes slogan, “Roulez gagnant au naturel”, as well as its national equivalent, “Race clean, own your victory”, implemented by the Canadian Cycling Association

3)      Our team members will be submitted to 1 – 2 screening tests per season with assistance from the CCES (Canadian Center for Ethics in Sports)

Team Garneau has been competing for 11 years and will continue to do so next year. Its mission is to help young cyclists become great athletes and help them make their dream come true!

“In the past, the team helped Lyne Bessette, Hugo Houle, David Veilleux, as well as my two sons, William and Édouard, to achieve great performances. All these people succeeded in winning without drugs!” says Louis Garneau.

Punish, without destroying

“We must manage this situation like a good father would. We must punish, yes, and the CCES will ban Arnaud for 2 years. He will also unfortunately get a bad reputation in the process.

On the other hand, we must not destroy the young people who have cheated, but instead bring them back and help them be better persons in life,” Louis Garneau declared.

“Incidentally, I want to congratulate the CCES (Canadian Center for Ethics in Sports) for its excellent work.

We all hope that this reprehensible behavior on Arnaud Papillon’s part serves as an example and a lesson to everyone in order to avoid similar situations in the future. I believe in “clean” cycling,” Mr. Garneau also stated.

Team Garneau consists of 29 cyclists in 4 Canadian provinces, i.e. Quebec, Maritimes, Ontario and British Columbia.

_______________________________________________________________

release by the CCES

October 19, 2011 (Ottawa, Ontario) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport announced today that cyclist, Arnaud Papillon, received a two-year sanction for the use of erythropoietin (EPO) during the Canadian Road Championships.

Papillon, who was tested multiple times prior to, during and after the Canadian Championships, had two separate urine samples (one in-competition sample and one out-of competition sample) return adverse analytical findings for the presence of EPO, a prohibited substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency 2011Prohibited List.

EPO is a peptide hormone that is produced naturally by the human body. It is released from the kidneys and acts on the bone marrow to stimulate red blood cell production. An increase in red blood cells improves the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry to the body’s muscles. It may also increase the body’s capacity to buffer lactic acid.

Papillon waived his right to a hearing and accepted the proposed sanction of two years ineligibility from sport commencing August 12, 2011. The sanction prevents Papillon from participating in any capacity in any competition or in any sport-related activity, including training with team mates, authorized or organized by an organization that has adopted the Canadian Anti-Doping Program.

“It is always disappointing when we find that an athlete has attempted to cheat,” said Paul Melia, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. “However, it is even more disconcerting when we find out that the substance being used is as dangerous and sophisticated as EPO.”

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport is an independent, national, not-for profit organization. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

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