February 08, 2012 (Ottawa, Ontario) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that cyclist Benjamin Martel has received a two-year sanction for the presence of testosterone, a prohibited substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency 2011 Prohibited List. The violation occurred during in-competition doping control during the Quebec Provincial Road Race Championships on August 28, 2011. This is the third Quebec cyclist to receive a two-year ban for the presence of a prohibited substance in 2011.

In response to the CCES’ notification of the adverse analytical finding, Martel exercised his right to a hearing under the rules of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP).

Based on the evidence and testimony presented, Arbitrator Dumoulin upheld the recommendation of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and imposed a two-year sanction commencing August 28, 2011 and terminating on August 28, 2013.

During the hearing held on January 10, 2012, Arbitrator Ross Dumoulin concluded that Martel had failed to prove “No Fault or Negligence” nor “No Significant Fault or Negligence” (CADP Rules 7.44 and 7.45). Arbitrator Dumoulin stated that the athlete had failed to exercise the necessary degree of caution in order to be considered for any type of sanction reduction.

A copy of the full decision can be found HERE.

Pursuant to CADP Rule 7.18, Martel is not eligible to participate in any capacity in any sport activity sanctioned by the Canadian Cycling Association or other national sport governing body until such time as the suspension has been served. This includes, but is not limited to, competitions, official training sessions and training camps.

“This testing mission was conducted as part of a strategic approach based on intelligence gathered in related testing,” said Paul Melia, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. “We welcome information about doping activities and encourage people to help us protect athletes who choose to compete clean by contacting us through our confidential communication systems.”

Any persons with knowledge of doping activities may contact the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport at: (1-800-710-CCES) or by email at intelligence@cces.ca.