Bernhard Kohl banned for two years

11 comments
By AFP | Monday, Nov 24, 2008 12.49pm

Bernhard Kohl, who last month admitted to using drugs in the Tour de France where he finished third, has been banned from cycling for two years.

The suspension was handed down by the disciplinary commission of Austria's anti-doping agency, NADA.

Kohl tested positive in retroactive controls carried out by France's national anti-doping agency last month for CERA, the new generation of banned blood booster EPO.

The Austrian, who as well as making the podium finished this year's Tour de France as best climber, confessed to taking the drug 48 hours after the test results were announced and was sacked from his Belgian team Silence.

Kohl can still appeal the suspension with the independent arbitrary commission in Austria and the international Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The rider, who described his suspension Monday as "disappointing," said he would wait to receive written confirmation of the sentence before deciding whether to appeal.

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User Comments

There are 11 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 comments

  • How is that 'disappointing'? Does admitting to taking banned substances mean you should get a reduced ban once you get caught? Ridiculous.

  • He used the substance even after testing positive. Is this stuff addictive or what, I can see no other reason for the madness. Yeah you win races but then you get caught and your life and reputation is ruined. Junkie smack head wanabees.

  • he admitted it, so 2 years seems fair to me. as long as he doesnt do it again.

  • monkey can rhyme

  • I just want to know who his supplier is so that I can get me some and do a sub-3 Argus...then I'll be content with any ban :P

  • Ban him for life....

  • Pathetic. Road cycling is such a discredited sport. How can anyone still seriously have any interest in it. The majority have used/are using/will use drugs. Absolutely pathetic sport.

  • nyb......go away then we dont need you! Close the door on your way out Mr Negativity

  • maybe he thought that 'disapointing' was towards to board, who should have handed out something stronger

  • *towards the board

  • delighted, just wish the ban was 20 years!

    the ugliest man in cycling is gone.. but not for long,,,,,,,,, he is still training. a cheat and soon to return

    the lads at www.bikepure.org have the right answer

    life bans!

    the only way to maintain integrity in the sport.

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