Substantial assistance reduces ban for former cyclist Matthew White

CA imposed a two-year period of ineligibility under its anti-doping policy with three-quarters suspended for the substantial assistance Mr White provided to ASADA during the course of its cycling investigation. In applying the full three-quarters reduction in suspension, CA acknowledged in its decision that information provided by Mr White is helping establish violations against others. This reduction is in line with the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code. Mr White’s cooperation with ASADA’s ongoing investigation continues to be full and frank. ASADA is unable to expand on the information supplied by Mr White as it forms part of an ongoing investigation. Mr White’s ban was a result of several breaches of CA’s anti-doping policies: Cycling Australia Anti-Doping Policy 2005 - Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance - Erythropoietin (EPO) - Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance – Testosterone - Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance – Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) - Use of a Prohibited Method – namely Blood Doping (autologous blood) Cycling Australia Anti-Doping Policy 2007 - Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance - Erythropoietin (EPO) Mr White elected to waive his right to a hearing in respect to the findings or sanction. His ban was backdated to the date of his provisional suspension (13 October 2012). When faced with an opportunity to co-operate fully with an anti-doping organisation, Mr White chose to be a part of a solution for the betterment of the sport and its athletes. Mr White is now permitted to participate in sports with World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policies. Substantial Assistance is where an athlete, athlete support personnel, or other person, who may have committed potential anti-doping rule violations, co-operates with anti-doping organisations and provides assistance and information to establish anti-doping rule violations by others. It may be possible to receive up to a three-quarters reduction in the otherwise applicable two-year sanction if a person provides Substantial Assistance. There are strict guidelines under the World Anti-Doping Code and sports anti-doping policies which govern any reduction in the period of ineligibility a person may receive arising out of the assistance they provide to ASADA throughout the course of its investigations.