Stahurskaia killed in training accident

Zinaida Stahurskaia, 2000 World Champion, died this week in Byelorussia while training for the national championships. She was 38 years old.

Stahurskaia was riding behind a car when an oncoming Jeep crossed into her lane. The lead car was able to avoid the Jeep, but Stahurskaia hit it head on.

Stahurskaia won the Women's Tour of France in 2002, but had a long history of doping problems. She was suspended for several months in both 2002 and 2004. In 2005, she was suspended for two years for testing positive three times within three and a half weeks for testosterone and stanozolol (anabolic steroid).

A search of her house in December 2006 found a number of prohibited substances. The investigation later found her part of a drug trade for amateur and professional cyclists.

Stahurskaia's suspension ended in June 2007. She rode both the national and world championships last year, and intended to do so again this year. (SW)