UK Anti-Doping today announced that 41 year old amateur cyclist Ian Edmonds has been given a four-year ban from competition following an anti-doping rule violation.
A package addressed to Mr Edmonds and containing the anabolic steroids testosterone and nandrolone was intercepted by UK Border Force on 10th April 2016. Following the interception, Mr Edmonds refused to provide a sample during an out-of-competition test attempt on 1 May 2016, but later admitted to the ‘Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance’ and ‘Refusing to Submit to Sample Collection’ in an interview with UKAD on 6th June.
Edmonds, a member of Mapperley Cycling Club, was subsequently handed a four-year ban under the WADA code, and will be unable to compete in all sports until 1st August 2020.
UKAD Director of Operations, Pat Myhill said: 'The ordering of Prohibited Substances online by those subject to the anti-doping rules continues to be a major concern for UKAD. Whether they are obtained in an attempt to improve sporting performance or for aesthetic purposes, a significant threat is posed to both clean sport and public health. Ordering Prohibited Substances via the internet may result in a ban from all sport and, in some cases, constitute a criminal offence.
'The Edmonds case is an excellent example of how we work alongside law enforcement partners to deter and detect doping in the UK by targeting the supply of illicit substances. I would encourage anyone who has information about the purchase or supply of performance and image enhancing drugs to contact us in confidence via 08000 322332 or via reportdoping.com.'