Schwazer, Nada does not allow testing on residual urine

The Italian Athletics Federation (Fidal) makes it known that it has implemented the provision, in compliance with the anti-doping legislation, of precautionary suspension towards Alex Schwazer ordered on 22 June by Nothing (German National Anti-Doping Agency) following an alleged violation of anti-doping regulations (Epo) in relation to a competition held in Kesterlbach (Germany) on 26 April.

The president of Fidal, Stefano Mei, the technical director of the National Teams Antonio La Torre, and the Federal Council, reiterating their full trust in the work of the competent bodies and confirming that any evaluation will be carried out in the places provided by law, underline that Fidal, by virtue of what has already been expressed, has no comments to make on the matter, and that any comments from members are made in a personal capacity.

Nada’s decisions

The Nothing has made it known that he will not proceed with the examination of the residual urine (third test tube) of Alex Schwazer of the doping control carried out on the afternoon of Sunday 26 April at the end of the walking marathon of the German National Open Championships held in a small village, Kelsterbachin the immediate vicinity of Frankfurt airport. Nada, however, has announced that the control of the athlete’s sample B (second test tube) will begin on July 6th at the Cologne laboratory.

EPO positive

Following the post-race doping test, Schwazer, Olympic gold medalist in the 50 km Beijing 2008was found positive forerythropoietin. The test tube of residual urine was managed by Sandro Donati, who was present privately to follow Alex’s race, but was not foreseen by the current procedures for anti-doping tests on a global scale.

Request for counteranalysis

Alex Schwazer had requested the counter-analysis of the B tubes on the condition that “the third tube” with the “residual” urine delivered on April 26th be examined. Schwazer, through a note from his management, confirmed that “he will renounce the counter-analysis, because he has no confidence in the checks carried out at the same institution”.

The legal challenges

The same institution is already involved in various irregularities related to anti-doping control in 2016, referred to in the order of the investigating judge of Bolzano following the evidentiary incident proceedings established there, which speaks of an investigation with a high degree of rational credibility of alteration of Alex’s urine samples, to make them test positive.

The position of the defense

The Bolzano lawyer Gerhard Brandstaetterin reiterating the absolute trust in Alex Schwazerhas requested the “Documentation Packages” of evidence A and in compliance with the decisions and determinations of Alex Schwazer, reserves the right to take appropriate initiatives to protect the same and to search for the truth.