Cyclist Brandon Cattouse Cleared of Doping Allegations
Brandon Cattouse
Popular Belizean cyclist Brandon Cattouse is exonerated of charges that he has been using performance-enhancing drugs as an elite rider. His vindication comes after it was initially confirmed that Cattouse had tested positive for EPO, a hormone produced by the kidney to promote the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow. EPO has been misused as a performance-enhancing drug by several well-known athletes and on April twenty-sixth, the National Anti-Doping Organization issued a release stating that tests conducted on specimen taken from Cattouse had returned positive. Earlier today, Alberto Bravo, an arbitrator of the Anti-Doping Tribunal of the Regional Anti-Doping Organization of Central America cleared Cattouse of the allegations. Bravo ruled that Cattouse must be cleared of any responsibility regarding the urine sample collected on February eleventh of this year. Of note is that the specimen was taken following the Digicell Valentine’s Tour. In early July, Justice Sonya Young discharged an injunction filed on behalf of Cattouse who was challenging his suspension from the Belize Cycling Federation. For context, we revisit an interview with attorney Hector Guerra who represented Brandon Cattouse.
Hector Guerra
Hector Guerra, Attorney for Brandon Cattouse [File: July 3rd, 2018]
“Arbitration proceedings have been taking place between Mister Cattouse and the National Anti-Doping Organization. Our position is that my client, Mister Brandon Cattouse, has been treated unfairly and has been deprived of his right to a fair trial. We say that certain documents that are crucial to secure his right and that are crucial to vindicate him have not been provided to my client.”
Reporter
“So is he disputing the drug test and the suspension?”
Hector Guerra
“Yes. In essence we say that the entire procedure being followed by NADO Belize is unfair and as a result, the finding should be quashed.”
Cattouse is scheduled to speak to the media on Monday.
