Negative tests confirmed by cycling head

Press, 1 March 1982, Page 34

Negative tests confirmed by cycling head

The president of the New Zealand Amateur Cycling Association (Mr W. J. Main, of Wanganui) has issued the following statement in reply to two articles in “The Press” last week concerning drug testing of some cyclists after the Palmerston North to Wellington race last year. “The testing carried out after this race was in strict accordance with the international rules and none of the prohibited substances were detected. This is stated in the laboratory’s report and no action was necessary. “It was noted that supplementary testing was carried out which showed a higher than normal level of a substance normally found in the body. Because this extra testing was done and reported in good faith a direction was sought from the medical committee of the International Cycling Union. This duly indicated that no action was necessary and the testing officer was notified,” he said.

"Any suggestion that the correct procedures were not carried out or that the three cyclists in question were other than exceptionally capable athletes is unfounded. Because of the protection of the rights of an individual the investigation was necessarily carried out in committee and the result only notified in the minutes of the association. “Because of the restrictions imposed by the business being in committee, the journalist, who conceived the idea of a cover-up, was unable to ascertain the facts and was thus encouraged to carry out a dramatic, even though incorrect, expose,” Mr Main said. The New Zealand road cycling coach, Mr R. Cheatley, of Wanganui, said yesterday that Stephen Carton — one of four cyclists mentioned in the articles — was in no way involved in the controversy. Mr Main also confirmed that opinion.