Nissan Arana Tests Positive for Performance Enhancement Drug
Under Arana’s suspension, the U.C.I. has requested that the Cycling Federation of Belize withdraws his license for the duration of the ban in accordance with specific articles related to the offense of doping. According to Leslie, Arana waived the option to test another sample.
Dion Leslie, Vice President, Cycling Federation of Belize
“That’s why they have the case management and that’s why you’re allowed to have your B Sample tested because, you know, mistakes do happen at times so you’re given that option to have the B Sample. He refused that option and when they went to case management which is basically like a mini trial where you fight your case and we don’t know personally what happens in that trial, that is between the athletes and the members who sit on that board and whatever happens in there or transpired in there. From that, it’s then taken on, discussed and then sanctioned or a ban is handed down and it so happens that he was given a four-year ban from all sporting activities, including cycling.”
Isani Cayetano
“Explain to our viewers what an EPO is and perhaps whether whatever placement Mr. Arana had in the Cross Country that went by, has that been revoked? Where do we stand on that?”
Dion Leslie
Dion Leslie
“Well, his placement in the Cross Country, he has been removed from it. I believe he finished in the top ten so the standings will be shuffled now properly with the exclusion of Mr. Arana. Apart from that, he did win the national championship this year for the elite riders. So, again, he will be removed from that and the second place rider who I believe is Ron Vasquez will now become the national champ for Belize for this riding season. EPO basically stands for enhanced performance and it’s in the manuals for WADA, World Anti-Doping, and for UCI. When you get an EPO testing it carries a more severe penalty than that of the other positive results we’ve had from athletes in Belize where they got tested positive for dexamethasone.”
