Despite having missed drug testing that could have resulted in a suspension, British cyclist Lizzie Armitstead has won an appeal with the anti-doping agency that will give her the ability to remain a part of Team GB as the 2016 Rio Olympics get started. Armitstead, the winner of the first Team GB medal for cycling in 2012, was granted an appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and later won because of a drug test in which procedures were not properly followed.
Armitstead is among the favorites to win gold in women’s cycling, and her presence will certainly have an impact on the best betting apps and sportsbooks as odds are drawn towards the beginning of the games.
In response to the outcome, the champion cyclist Armitstead said she has “always been and will always be a clean athlete,” recounting her firm stance on anti-doping throughout her entire cycling career.
The controversy stems from three whereabouts failures resulting from missed tests performed during the past year. Though the most recent two failures were not contested, the Cas ruled that Armitstead was not negligent and followed guidelines during the period when the first failure took place. Also, the doping control officer was found to have not followed proper procedure and did not make a reasonable effort to locate Armitstead. She then took in-competition testing the next day as she competed as the leader in the UCI Women Road World Cup, following the first missed test at a Swedish hotel.
It was reported originally by the Daily Mail that Armitstead had missed tests, adding that she had the backing of British Cycling, the same organization that was able to fund her legal team during the arbitration process. A spokesperson for British Cycling made a statement regarding the group’s satisfaction with the outcome of the case and added that the team is fully confident heading into the Olympic Games.
There is a good reason for the guidelines regarding anti-doping to be somewhat flexible in a certain situation. A representative of the UK Anti-Doping agency said that circumstances could change on short notice, which is why athletes are allowed to accrue a combined three missed tests before action is taken. However, the rep also added that it is the responsibility of the athlete to follow guidelines and understand the consequences because failure to comply can result in a potential two-year ban.
Armitstead, understanding the gravity of the situation, expressed her thanks to the British Cycling organization and her teammates for supporting her while the entire process played out. She added that she understands her role as a professional athlete requires vigilance regarding any legal situation and that this scenario could have had major implications.
This news bodes well for individuals counting on Armitstead’s participation as the stakes are created through a sportsbook or one of the best betting apps on a mobile device because other cyclists suffering the same fate have not been so fortunate. Christine Ohuruogu, the 2008 champion in the 400m, missed three consecutive drug tests and was banned from the sport for an entire year.
SOURCE LINK: http://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/36948193