Updated, 4/5. The UCI issued a statement that Dutch cyclocross racer Denise Betsema received an Adverse Analytical Finding for Endogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroid(s) at World Cup Hoogerheide in January.
With the finding, Betsema has been suspended from racing, although she can still request a B sample be tested.
Betsema told NOS, “I am disappointed because I am absolutely innocent. I am going to challenge this and will request a counter-expertise.” [translated]
Betsema was the biggest story of the year, coming out of nowhere to win World Cup Koksijde and finish fourth at the World Championships in Bogense.
Betsema made a statement via her Instagram account. It is originally in Dutch, but translated below.
What a nightmare this is. As many have already heard, my doping test of the World Cup in Hoogerheide was found to be positive (steroids, steroids). To be right at home: I have never used prohibited drugs and have never been tested positive throughout the year.
We are really stunned and in shock. How awful to get this news while I am busy with sport and soul. I feel that I have been found guilty before the whole procedure has been completed.
There has never been a hair on my head that thinks about cheating, and certainly not about using prohibited drugs. It hurts me so much that my name is associated with practices for which I have such an aversion.
This must have a cause, but I don’t know it yet. We are now looking for that.
I want to thank everyone who now gives me the chance to prove my innocence and stand behind me. I will do everything in my power to clear my name as soon as possible.
The UCI statement on Betsema’s test and suspension is below.
Stay tuned for more on this story.
UCI Statement on Denise Betsema
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that the Dutch rider Denise Betsema was notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) of Endogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroid(s) administered exogenously in a sample collected on 27 January 2019 during the Telenet UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Hoogerheide, Netherlands.
This doping control was planned and carried out by the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF), the independent body mandated by the UCI, in charge of defining and implementing the anti-doping strategy in cycling.
The rider has the right to request and attend the analysis of her B sample.
In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the procedure.
At this stage of the procedure, the UCI will not comment any further on the matter.
Featured image: Bart Hazen
