- HOT TOPICS:
- The new VeloNews.com (BETA)
Neben faces battle after nandro' positive
Editor’s note:VeloNews.com received the following letter from Amber Neben, of the T-Mobile women’s team, today. Neben is currently ranked 25th in the world, the highest ranked American and, until now, a favorite to land a spot on the U.S. team for next year’s Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.After testing positive for nandrolone metabolites in samples taken May 31, 2003 during competition in Montreal, Neben has voluntarily suspended herself from competition, pending the resolution of further test results and appeals. The decision will, of course, mean that she will not participate in this year’s world championship events in Hamilton, Ontario.
Dear family, friends and members of the cycling community;
I remember how sad I was reading about Scott Moninger’s suspension last November (see "Moninger gets one-year suspension"). Like many people in the cycling community, I read Scott’s letter and believed and supported him fully in his fight against a sanction that in my opinion was undeserved. Unfortunately, I have a similar story to tell you now.
In July while racing in Italy, I was handed a letter from the UCI notifying me that my A sample taken on May 31 had tested positive for nandrolone metabolites at a level of 6.9ng/ml. This was a trace amount of 1.9 parts per billion over the legal limit. Wow. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I cried as I struggled to understand what could have happened. As an athlete, I try to be prepared for anything to happen in competition, but I was not prepared for this. During my two and a half years as a professional road cyclist I had no reason to ever think about a positive test, as I have never taken nor had any intention of taking nandrolone or any other substance that is banned by the IOC, UCI, USADA, or WADA.
I am trying to figure out what happened. I have been tested 11 times over the last two years, both in and out of competition, and every time I have tested negative. In fact I had tested negative nine days before and then again both three and four days after the alleged positive test.
My advisors and I are researching several possible sources and reasons for the alleged positive test result. According to the research and the experts I have spoken with, the trace amount (6.9ng/ml) detected, and the negative tests immediately before and after this test will definitely prove that there was absolutely no intentional use of a banned substance, and the trace amount detected had absolutely no performance enhancing benefit.
I have no desire to cheat. Like many of you, I work as hard, as smart, and as disciplined as I can. With the support of my coach and family, I have dedicated myself to my training and development. I have done the 6:15 AM rides, the five-hour rides in the rain, the mountain climbs, the holiday morning training rides. I try to eat well and take care of my body. I have come by my results honestly. I would rather finish off the podium and be clean, than on it and dirty. I love the sport of cycling. I would never want to do anything to damage our sport or bring it down.
I am fighting this challenge with the same focus and motivation that I compete with, but in order to prepare for the appeal process, I have (regretfully) voluntarily suspended myself from competition. My goal is to return to competition and my teammates as soon as possible. I am also trying to focus on the positives. I have amazing people standing behind me; I have my health, an awesome marriage, friends from all walks of life, my family, my faith in an unwavering God and so much much more. I am very blessed.
Finally, it is very scary to think that your integrity and career can be devastated like this. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. Thank you so much for your support and for taking the time to read this
Sincerely,
Amber Neben
VeloNews.com welcomes your letters on this and other subjects. Pleasesend e-mails to WebLetters@7Dogs.com.Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited forlength and clarity.
