Reigning world path working champion Stian Angermund says he’s harmless and “totally bewildered” after testing optimistic for banned substance chlorthalidone after successful the 55km OCC occasion on the Extremely-Path du Mont-Blanc for the second time final 12 months.
The 37-year-old has additionally gained world path working titles in 2022 and 2023 along with the Golden Path Collection in 2018 and 2021.
Angermund posted on social media: “These previous months have been probably the most troublesome and difficult of my sporting profession. On the twentieth October 2023, I acquired a life altering electronic mail from the French anti-doping company, informing me that the urine pattern taken after my victory at OCC contained the banned substance chlorthalidone.
“I’m totally bewildered. I haven’t used any drugs or dietary supplements, nor have I ever taken or misused medicine. The place might this probably have come from? I’m a clear athlete.
“I’m presently within the strategy of vigorously defending my innocence and proving that I’m clear. Attributable to my suspension and pending investigation, I gained’t be competing in the summertime of 2024, and there’s uncertainty round whether or not I’ll ever return to the world stage.
Thomas Roach (left) with Stian Angermund (centre) and Luca del Pero (WMTRC 2023)
“The profound disappointment and sorrow I really feel in shedding my profession, fame, and fervour for sport can’t be overstated. This ordeal has already introduced numerous tears, sleepless nights, and is testing my vanity. I urge everybody to train warning and kindness, whether or not you select to imagine in me or not.”
Chlorthalidone is a diuretic which can be utilized to cut back physique weight or as a masking agent.
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