In March 2009 the International Skating Union (ISU) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the German Athlete Claudia Pechstein after her blood samples - provided at the 2009 ISU World Allround Speed Skating Championships in Hamar - showed abnormal reticulocytes values.
After notification in March 2009 the Athlete filed statements with evidence in her defence and was heard for the ISU Disciplinary Commission. The Athlete disputed the test result of the blood samples on several grounds.
The ISU Disciplinary Commission assessed the Athlete’s complaints and concludes that there had been no deviations from the ISU Procedures for Blood Testing. Neither does the Panel see any other circumstances which would give rise to any reasonable suspicion that the blood tests of the Athlete produced incorrect results.
Further the Athlete argued that her abnormal high blood profile was caused by a congenital blood disease, which she has to prove by undergoing medical examination. However the Athlete failed to undergo this medical examination to establish whether she has a blood disease. In addition she declined the opportunity, offered by the Panel, to produce this evidence within a reasonable time.
On basis of all evidence presented in this case the Panel is convinced of a prepondering probability that the Athlete has applied the prohibited method of blood doping.
Therefore the ISU Disciplinary Commission decides on 1 July 2009:
1.) Claudia Pechstein is declared responsible for an Anti-Doping violation under Article 2.2 of the ISU ADR by using the prohibited method of blood doping.
2.) The results obtained by Claudia Pechstein in the 500 m and 3'000 m races at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships on 7 February 2009, are disqualified and her points, prices and medals forfeited.
3.) A 2 year period of ineligibility, beginning on 9 February 2009, is imposed on Claudia Pechstein.
4.) The Deutsche Eisschnelllauf-Gemeinschaft e.V. shall pay to the ISU the costs to be determined.
5.) Each Party bears its own costs of proceedings an expenses.
