Toon Aerts vows to fight two-year suspension for positive drugs test – ‘This is a very severe punishment’
Belgian cyclo-cross rider Toon Aerts is vowing to fight a two-year suspension handed to him by the UCI, cycling’s governing body, following a positive drugs test.
Aerts says he will appeal the subsequent ban he has received in front of the UCI’s anti-doping panel, and could even end up taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
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“I have to tell the world something that I actually don’t want to,” Aerts began at his press conference. “Unfortunately this week I received a letter from the UCI that no-one wants to receive. It says that the UCI is proposing a two-year suspension.
“This is a very severe punishment. Much too severe for someone who stands up straight and can state in good conscience that he is not guilty of doping.
“I have never had the intention to use doping and I have never voluntarily taken doping products to improve my performance.
“I will continue to do everything I can to prove my innocence.
“I am convinced that I will take my place in cyclo-cross again.
Belgian Toon Aerts pictured in action during the men’s race of the Superprestige Merksplas, fourth stage of the Superprestige cyclocross cycling competition, Saturday 20 November 2021, in Merksplas.
Image credit: Getty Images
“I have a lot of uncertainties, but one thing is certain: my second career will start on February 16, 2024 at the latest.”
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