McMurdo suspended for steroid use

Australian domestic cyclist Hilton McMurdo has been handed a two-year sanction by Cycling Australia (CA) for his use of anabolic steroids. The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) yesterday acknowledged CA's decision to sanction McMurdo for the doping violation.

"This doping offence was detected as a direct result of ASADA's expanded application of sophisticated isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) technology to detect synthetic testosterone," ASADA Chairman Richard Ings said.

McMurdo tested positive for the synthetic anabolic steroid testosterone during an in-competition sample collected at the Cycling National Roads Series Tour de Perth event, held in Western Australia on May 26, 2007. McMurdo, who waived his right to a hearing, has had all results between 26 May and November 18, 2007 disqualified – including his 3000 metre individual pursuit gold medal won at the 2007 UCI World Track Cycling Masters Championships.

The sanction, which was backdated to the day the athlete last competed, means McMurdo will not be eligible to compete until November 18, 2009.