Monday, November 21, 2005

Tyler Hamilton appeal in January

Update 11 February 2006: Tyler Hamilton's appeal denied.

Tyler Hamilton's blood doping appeal hearing has been scheduled for January 10 in Denver. The original hearing scheduled last September was delayed because of an inability to present all of the evidence required.

Hamilton was suspended from competing in professional cycling after he tested positive for homologous blood doping during the 2004 Vuelta a EspaƱa. Homologous blood transfusion is the practice of transfusing blood from another individual into an endurance athlete for the purpose of boosting red blood cell count and, hence, athtletic performance.

Testing involves the antigens in the blood cells. These antigens can be used as markers to identify them, a bit like fingerprints.

The test for homologous blood transfusions was new during the '04 Vuelta. Hamilton's appeal rests on the newness of the test, and Hamilton is expected to provide evidence about the test's inaccuracy.

No comments:

Post a Comment