Bergman admits EPO use

Suspended US rider Adam Bergman has admitted using EPO. On April 6, 2004, then-23-year-old Bergman returned a positive result for recombinant human Erythropoietin (rEPO) in an out-of-competition test. He subsequently finished 11th in the Tour de Georgia, before the test result was known, and was subsequently sacked from his team at the time, Jelly Belly.

In July 2004, Bergman accepted a two-year suspension from USADA but did not admit using rEPO. He has now conceded that the test result was correct and he did use the drug, which improves the body's ability to carry oxygen in the blood by stimulating the production of red blood cells, at the risk of death by heart attack because the blood becomes too thick.

Late in the afternoon of February 15, 2006, Bergman issued the following statement.

Almost two years ago, I tested positive for EPO. Until now, I have not been a strong enough person to admit to taking EPO. I never denied the charges, but I hid behind the fact that the test results were not entirely clear, and I hoped that I might be able to get off on a technicality.

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