July 31, 2010
Valjavec cleared, Rebellin rejected
Fairness and transparency tip towards Valjavec but Rebellin’s case falls flat. Of course every case is different and we can only trust that due process was followed to the letter. Importantly, the distinction here is that in Valjavec’s case we are looking at variances in specific blood values over time, not doping products as such; whereas in Rebellin’s case CERA was positively identified. Rebiellin was also the higher profile rider – and whilst you’d hope that it wouldn’t matter there is also the feeling that his immediately preceding wins (of which there are several) are now tainted. So our sense of justice is argulably served – somewhat – by Rebellin’s penalty.
Valjavec Cleared By Slovenian Anti-doping Agency | Cyclingnews.com
Slovenian rider Tadej Valjavec has been cleared by his national anti-doping agency. The AG2R rider, currently suspended by his team, had been accused of blood doping within the framework of the UCI’s Biological Passport in early May this year, with the questionable values dating back to 2009.However, according to Slovenian website siol.net, the disciplinary board of the Slovenian NAK ruled on Thursday, July 29, that there was not enough evidence to open disciplinary proceedings against Valjavec. The panel even criticised the application of the Biological Passport in the case, saying that it failed to take into account all the factors that could explain Valjavec’s blood values naturally. Moreover, it found that some of the tests were not carried out in accordance with the technical documents affecting the test results.
CAS Rejects Rebellin’s Appeal | Cyclingnews.com
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed the doping case appeal filed by the Italian cyclist Davide Rebellin against the decision of the Executive Committee of International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday. The IOC had disqualified Rebellin from the 2008 Olympic Games and withdrew his silver medal, and with this ruling CAS upheld the decision.
