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Door still open for Page

by VeloNews.com

• January 16, 2009
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Despite facing charges that he missed an in-competition doping test in November, former U.S. champion Jonathan Page could still earn a spot at cyclocross worlds.

The United States is among those countries eligible to send five riders to compete in the elite men’s division of the cyclocross world championship in Hoogerheide, in the Netherlands, on February 1.

Earlier this week, however, USA Cycling released the names of only four riders planning to compete in the world championships, leaving one additional slot to be filled before the UCI’s roster deadline on January 23. The short list has led to speculation that the position is being held open pending the outcome of possible disciplinary proceedings against Page.

Page could be facing suspension for missing an in-competition doping test at the UCI World Cup in November 29 World Cup at Koksijde, Belgium, on November 29. Information in the case was forwarded to USA Cycling by the UCI, but the American governing body has, since the adoption of the World Anti-Doping Code, left the handling of such cases to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Page himself has said that the case is receiving expedited handling, because of the upcoming world championships, but neither USA Cycling nor USADA were willing to comment on it.

USA Cycling spokesman Andy Lee declined to comment on whether the governing body will fill the position or how it plans to fill it.

“We’ve been allotted five positions and we’ve obviously only named four to the team,” said Lee. “Beyond that, I’m not prepared to comment.”

Unless the case is adjudicated before the January 23rd deadline, UCI rules bar Page being named to the team. According to the UCI rules governing world championship events:

A rider against whom an investigation was opened in relation to a fact which may cause a breach of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules, will not be eligible for the World Championships or is not authorised to participate to the World Championships until the end of the suspension or until his definitive acquittal.

Page could be named if he is cleared of the charge, or if he merely receives a warning for missing the test.

Page crashed out of the race in Koksijde and says that he was not notified of the fact that he was on the list of riders to be tested at the event. While the UCI’s doping rules do not require notification, beyond the posting of a list, he could conceivably argue that the injuries he suffered at Koksijde should be considered as a mitigating factor and ask only that a warning be issued.

While unable to comment on the status of his case, in a note posted on his website, Page said he was “trying to stay focused on the bike.”

“It’s not easy,” he added.