Neal Schubel of Michigan, a 45-year-old Masters racer, has been suspended for two years from an EPO-related offense dating back to 2006. Earlier this year, Schubel raced the 2010 Barry-Roubaix race in the Elite Men’s field, finishing 47th. Official announcement from USADA below.
Colorado Springs, Colo. (November 24, 2010) – USADA announced today that U.S. cycling athlete, Neal Schubel, of Saginaw, Michigan, has accepted a two-year period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation based on his purchase, possession and use of synthetic erythropoietin (EPO).
EPO, a synthetic hormone used to stimulate the body’s production of red blood cells, thereby increasing oxygen transport and aerobic power, is a prohibited substance in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors and Related Substances 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.
Schubel’s two-year period of ineligibility began on November 18, 2010, the day he accepted the sanction. Additionally, Schubel is disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to August 1, 2006, the date he first committed the anti-doping rule violation based on his prompt admission to USADA after being confronted with evidence in USADA’s possession, 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.
