Our firm represented a professional cyclist facing a potential Anti-Doping Rule Violation based on his Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), in proceedings conducted under the applicable international federation’s anti-doping rules and the WADA ABP Operating Guidelines.
The case arose after a panel of independent scientific experts unanimously concluded, based on the athlete’s hematological profile across numerous blood samples collected over several years, that it was highly likely a prohibited substance or method had been used. On this basis, the athlete was formally invited to submit an explanation before any decision was taken on pursuing the case as an asserted violation.
Acting for the athlete, we prepared and submitted detailed scientific and factual explanations, supported by expert input, to demonstrate that the anomalies identified could be explained by causes other than doping.
Following review of the athlete’s explanations and the complete case file, the Expert Panel was unable to reach a unanimous opinion of “likely doping”, departing from its initial assessment. As a result, the competent anti-doping authority decided not to pursue the matter as an asserted Anti-Doping Rule Violation, and the case was formally closed with no consequences imposed.
This case, once again, illustrates the importance of a rigorous, scientifically supported response in Athlete Biological Passport proceedings, where close coordination between legal counsel and scientific experts is key to protecting the athlete’s rights.
