The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has alerted the Absa Cape Epic to an adverse analytical finding from a sample provided by rider Yolande De Villiers during the 2015 event. The analytical report was one of three that confirmed the presence of *hydrochlorothiazide in her sample. As a result De Villiers was sanctioned with a period of ineligibility of 11 months from 31 January 2015 – 30 December 2015.
This was also confirmed by a statement from Cycling South Africa (CSA) president William Newman, who further stated “Cycling South Africa will not make any further comment on the case.”
The Absa Cape Epic tightened its anti-doping rules in 2012 by
introducing a lifetime ban for future offenders. The lifetime ban therefore applies to De Villiers.
The UCI ruling confirming an anti-doping rule violation results in the automatic disqualification of the results obtained in the 2015 Absa Cape Epic, where De Villiers, riding with Janka Keseg Stevkova, finished third overall.
De Villiers won the Women’s category in the 2007 Absa Cape Epic. She has completed nine of the 10 events she has started.
For further information please contact Absa Cape Epic Spokesman, Chris Whitfield on 082 457 5886 or at chris@cape-epic.com
(*Hydrochlorothiazide is often used to medically treat high blood pressure and swelling amongst other medical issues. WikiPedia – Hydrochlorothiazide. Whilst it is not a performance enhancing substance, it is on the WADA prohibited list (WADA – Hydrochlorothiazide) as a diuretic and possible masking agent for performance enhancing substances under provision of a TUE certificate (Therapeutic Use Exemption) TUE Links – SAIDS / CSA – TreadMTB)
Source: Cape Epic Media
