In response to media queries about the Brandon Stewart case, the Absa Cape Epic has reiterated its “zero tolerance” approach to doping: last year it became the first race in world cycling to issue a lifetime ban to any rider found guilty of illegal use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Neil MacDonald and Brandon Stewart. Photo: Full Stop Communications
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) announced today that an appeal by Stewart for recognition of a therapeutic use exemption had been denied. Stewart can appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration in Switzerland before he is formally charged for doping.
If found guilty of doping, Stewart would therefore not be able to race again in the Absa Cape Epic, an event which he has completed all 10 times to date – one of only nine riders to do so.
Stewart won the Absa African Leader jersey in both 2007 and 2012, and finished in the top five in 2005.
Stewart had already withdrawn from the event this year pending the outcome of his case.
The Cape Epic ban also forbids anybody found guilty of doping from participating in the event in a formal capacity, including as a registered team manager.
“We don’t know what the outcome of the formal hearing will be and obviously don’t want to prejudge the issue, but it is disappointing that this sort of negative publicity is being aired when cycling is doing so much to get its house in order,” said Absa Cape Epic founder Kevin Vermaak.
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