12 octobre 2003
by Mark Zalewski in Hamilton
When asked whether or not she has ever taking performance enhancing substances, Canadian Geneviève Jeanson simply replied, "No."
This question came in response to the Canadian cycling star's elevated haematocrit level, found this morning in a test done before the Elite Women's Road Race of the 2003 World Championships. While the exact percentage was not disclosed, women are not allowed to have a number higher than 47 percent in their blood.
Jeanson attributed her elevated level to use of a hypoxic tent. The tent is used by some athletes to simulate high altitudes in order to enhance their training. "I've been using the tent since 1998," said Jeanson. "I use it all the time."
Jeanson appeared in a press conference with other Canadian Cycling Officials immediately after the race press conference concluded. Bill Kinash, President of the CCA, opened by reading a statement that reflected the position of the association. "The CCA is very dissapointed that one of our best medal hopes, Geneviève Jeanson, was not able to start the women's road race today. We know she is very upset, as we all are. It is very important to stress that this is not a positive doping test, but rather a situation where a rider has been declared unfit to ride."
Jeanson also contributed a statement. "I'd like to be able to speak to you, but I have to admit that I am in a state of shock - I'm very very disapointed, I'm very very sad not to have been able to take part in today's race." She then answered questions from the press, along with her coaches.
Jeanson acknowledged the risk of high levels from use of the tent. "Yes it is possible, it's a very thin line - and if you are over the line by point one [percent], you are taken out of competition. I was confident coming into the competition." Coach Yury Kashirin commented on if the Association' had tested their athletes before the Championships. "It's an independent agency... it can happen any time anywhere - it's not up to us, that's how it works."
Visibly upset over the incident, Jeanson left the press conference on the verge of tears.
A urinalysis will be done to determine if any performance enhancing substances are present in Jeanson. Samples will be sent to Switzerland, and results will not be known for at least four days.
Press Conference Transcription
Present: Bill Kinash, Yury Kashirin, Yvan Waddell, Genevieve Jeanson
Genevieve Jeanson : I'd like to be able to speak to you, but I have to admit that I am in a state of shock - I'm very very disapointed, I'm very very sad not to have been able to take part in today's race.
Q: If any cyclist in the CCA was found to have a positive test, what would be the sanctions?
Bill Kinash: Again, this is not a positive result, and I would rather not speak to the details of the rules - they are rather long and complicated.
Q: When was the last time you were tested, out of competition?
GJ : It's my first test.
Q: To what do you attribute this reading?
GJ : I use a hypoxic tent.
Q: Is it possible for a tent to raise you level so high as to take you out of competition?
GJ : Yes it is possible, it's a very thin line - and if you are over the line by point one, you are taken out of competition.
Q: Didn't the federation test the cyclists before the World Championships?
Yuri : It's an independent agency... it can happen any time anywhere - it's not up to us, that's how it works.
Q: Can we have the official result?
GJ : It's confidential.
Q: Is this your first test ever, and were you concerned going into the test that there might be problems?
GJ : It's my first test in competition, it's not the first blood test I ever had. I was confident coming into the competition.
Q: Have you ever done any doping?
GJ : No.
Q: Have the RONA representatives been in touch with you, and are they offering any support?
GJ : Yes, they are 100% behind me.
Q: How long have you been using the tent, and when was the last time you used it?
GJ : I've been using the tent since 1998, and I use it all the time.
Q: What did you say to your teammates when you found out?
GJ : I didn't have the chance to talk to them, I had to leave. To tell the truth, I was too in shock to think about anything else.
Q: Have you ever had tests done to see how much the tent raises your levels?
GJ : It is effective. For me it is really effective, but I never was worried.
page mise en ligne le 11 octobre 2003 par SVP
