The rumours of positive doping tests in the premier class of enduro racing, the Enduro World Serieshad already been in circulation since September. But it was only now that
Pinkbike.com
explosive details and names came to light. According to the report, the two positive doping samples are to be attributed to the two-time overall EWS winner Richie Rude (USA) and the Australian Jared Graves, who won the overall EWS in 2014. Both riders have reported the positive findings to Pinkbike.com confirmed. The samples come from controls of the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) and were taken after the third World Series stop in Olargues (France) in mid-May 2018. A bland aftertaste: Richie Rude had won the race. A total of nine riders are said to have been tested in the unannounced doping test, including Cube Action Team rider Greg Callaghan, Frenchman Adrien Dailly and Martin Maes (GT). Cube Action Team Manager Claus Wachsmann told BIKE: "I'm not surprised by the result, as far as it's true. Wherever there is a lot of money involved, there is cheating. In enduro racing, the top riders also earn six-figure sums a year."
Richie Rude (Yeti) and the 35-year-old Australian Jared Graves (Specialized), who is currently fighting his way through chemotherapy after an operation for a brain tumour, are said to have been found to be carrying two substances: Higenamine and Oxilofrine. Higenamine is said to have an anabolic effect and is mainly found in dietary supplements and fat burner products. The substance increases energy levels and supports vasodilation. Even the NADA warns against the stimulant oxilofrine, as the substance can be found in contaminated food supplements. Both substances are on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) global list of banned substances.
No confirmation from AFLD and EWS
As already positive doping findings in German MTB sport in the middle of the year the names of the potentially doped enduro racers are not mentioned or confirmed by the French anti-doping agency. Because even if positive A and B samples exist, the doping findings are not yet legally binding according to the WADA rules. According to Pinkbike.com both Richie Rude and Jared Graves are said to have refrained from being present at the opening of the B sample. Both enduro racers can still explain to the responsible anti-doping organisation how their doping sample may have been contaminated. Irregularities in doping control or manipulated food have already saved many athletes from a long ban in the past. In the case of the substances found in Rude and Graves, there are also examples of professional athletes who were able to shorten a long ban with a conclusive explanation.
And what does the EWS have to say about the explosive facts? The EWS is still keeping a low profile and has not announced any details or names regarding the positive doping test. As the EWS series has acted independently of the UCI in recent years, it does not have to adhere to the regulations of the WADA Code. However, the "EWS Rulebook" under point 15 on the anti-doping policy clear words: you accept the rules of the national cycling federations in the respective countries where the races take place. In addition, any athlete found to be doping - regardless of the discipline - will be sanctioned with a lifetime ban from EWS races. Incidentally, a separate anti-doping programme was already under discussion years ago, as Claus Wachsmann told us. "We would have welcomed it and made our contribution. Unfortunately, it failed due to the costs."
It will therefore be interesting to see how the EWS deals with the positive doping findings. Especially as the EWS will work closely with the UCI from 2019 and wants to promote the sport of enduro worldwide. For example, an Enduro World Champion jersey is to be awarded for the first time at the "Trophy Of Nations" event in 2019, UCI officials are to be trained for Enduro races and anti-doping guidelines are to be integrated. Cube team manager Wachsmann demands clear words: "I want it to be communicated very clearly and openly. I have already demanded this at the EWS. Something has to be done, otherwise the beautiful 'Spirit of Enduro' will soon be gone."
