Amateur cyclist receives two year ban for glucocorticoids
Press Release
22 March 2017
Michael Ellerton, a 55-year-old amateur cyclist from Burnley, has been suspended from all sport for two years following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).
Ellerton, who was previously registered with Team Swift, tested positive for the glucocorticoids prednisone and prednisolone, following an in-competition test at the Port Talbot Wheelers Cycling Club’s annual 25 Mile Time Trial on 11 September 2016.
Glucocorticoids are currently prohibited in-competition, when administered by a systemic route of administration (orally, rectally, intravenously or intramuscularly). However, glucocorticoids are permitted out-of-
Ellerton contested that the finding came as a result of taking medication for mouth ulcers in the lead up to the race. Given the level at which the rider was competing, he retroactively applied to UKAD for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). However, the application was subsequently rejected by the TUE Committee.
UKAD is satisfied that Ellerton did not act intentionally, according to the Anti-Doping Rules, and that the prohibited substances were used out-of-competition in a context unrelated to sport performance. As a result, a two-year period of ineligibility has been imposed.
UKAD Director of Operations, Pat Myhill said: “The World Anti-Doping Code is based on the principle of strict liability – every athlete, no matter what level, is solely responsible for any prohibited substance which is found in their system, regardless of how it got there or whether there was an intention to cheat or not.
“Athletes can easily check the prohibited status of medications before use by visiting Global DRO.”
Ellerton is banned from all sport for two years from 11 September 2016 until 10 September 2018. The full written decision can be found on the CleanSport Blog.
For further information on TUEs please visit the UKAD website or the Clean Sport Blog.
