Think drugs are only a problem at the professional level? Daniel Baker, a Cat 3 cyclocross racer from Massachusetts tested positive for anabolic steroids at the 2013 GP of Gloucester, where he finished 26th and 8th in the two days of Cat 3 racing (see a possible snapshot of Baker’s race results on USA Cycling and CrossResults). With the growing popularity of testosterone supplements (and media commercials), it’s also a reminder that athletes of all levels need to have Therapeutic Use Exemptions as drug testing expands beyond just professional ranks. Full USADA press release below.
US Cycling Athlete, Baker, Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation
Colorado Springs, Colo. January 24, 2014 – USADA announced today that Daniel Baker, of Brighton, Mass., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a two-year suspension for his offense.
Baker, 37, tested positive for the presence of an exogenous androgenic anabolic steroid and/or its metabolites, which was confirmed by CIR (GC/C/IRMS) analysis, as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected September 29, 2013, at the Grand Prix of Gloucester. Anabolic Androgenic Steroids are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union (“UCI”) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Baker was taking synthetic testosterone in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician and although he disclosed that information during the sample collection, he did not follow the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) requirements prior to competing.
Baker’s two-year period of ineligibility began on September 29, 2013, the date the sample was collected. As a result of the violation, Baker has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to September 29, 2013, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
