Patrik Sinkewitz – First Cyclist To Test Positive for HGH

Published:March 20th, 2011

 

Patrik Sinkewitz was suspended Friday, March 18 2011, after he tested positive for human growth hormone. He was tested at the Grand Prix di Lugano on February 27 and he might be facing a lifetime ban because of his previous doping suspension. He was banned for one year after he had tested positive for testosterone before the 2007 Tour de France.

This was the first suspension in cycling on the basis of a test for detecting the human growth hormone. Last year, Terry Newton, a British international rugby league player, was the first athlete that was suspended after testing positive for HGH.

A four year ban for doping might become the norm in cycling after the meeting in Milan of organizations such as UCI-endorsed Professional Cycling Council and the Association of Professional Cyclists. The move from two year bans even for those who are first time offenders is deemed necessary for serious doping offenses such as use of growth hormones, EPO or blood transfusions.

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