South African cyclist S'annara Grove faces a 2-year ban after a failed doping test.
Grove's sample, collected on July 28 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, returned an "adverse analytical finding" for ipamorelin, a synthetic peptide used to stimulate the body's natural production of growth hormone. Ipamorelin is prohibited in and out of competition by the International Testing Agency (ITA).
The 32-year-old Grove rides professionally for the Smurfit Westrock team and was listed as a competitor in the current Tour of Britain. However, her participation in the race is now in doubt.
Grove has not publicly addressed the ITA's announcement. The Smurfit Westrock and South Africa teams have been approached for comment.
Grove had been scheduled to represent South Africa at the road world championships in Montreal in September. Her participation in the championships is now uncertain.
The ITA has informed Grove of her case and given her the right to challenge the provisional suspension. Grove will have to decide whether to contest the suspension or accept it.
The failed doping test is a setback for Grove's cycling career. She had not medaled in her track cycling events at the Commonwealth Games.
The ITA will continue to investigate the case and will make a final decision on Grove's suspension in due course.
Grove's team and the South African cycling federation will have to decide whether to support her in her challenge against the provisional suspension or to accept the ITA's decision.
The road world championships in Montreal are scheduled to take place in September. The event will be a key test for the South African cycling team, but Grove's participation is now in doubt.
Source: Yahoo Sports