Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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IN THE WIND P26 FIM DENIES STEWART APPEAL D enied. That's what the FIM did with James Stewart's appeal that might have allowed him to compete in the upcoming Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Cham- pionship. Instead, the suspension will remain in place through August 11, 2015. In short, the FIM said via a release: On the merits, the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) Panel found, as did the CDI (FIM International Disciplinary Court), that Mr. Stewart had indis- putably committed an anti-dop- ing rule violation under the CAD (FIM Anti Doping Code). Con- sidering all the circumstances and all the evidence adduced, having regard to Mr. Stewart's degree of fault, the CAS Panel came to the conclusion that the period of ineligibility of 16 months imposed by the CDI was a fair and appropriate sanction. The CAS Panel, while noting that Mr. James Stewart Jr. "did not take any precautions what- soever" to avoid the anti-doping rule violation, described the attitude of Mr. James Stewart Jr. towards the FIM Anti-doping Code (CAD) as being "one of reckless disregard." Stewart's Yoshimura Suzuki Team said it will continue to sup- port Stewart and look forward to his return to competition. Yoshimura Suzuki team man- ager Mike Webb said the appeal process has been frustrating and costly. There were several delays requested by the FIM throughout the appeal process. "It was an incredibly frustrating process and disappointing deci- sion, but we'll have James on board with the team for 2016 and beyond and we look forward to his return. We have a few warm- up events later this year and then we'll be back in full force for the 2016 Supercross season." "It's extremely disappointing that my appeal was denied," Stewart said. "But I'm glad this is over and now I can turn my full attention back to preparing for the few events I'll be competing in this year and coming back strong for 2016. "I thank Yoshimura Suzuki, my sponsors and all the fans who have given me a ton of support through all of this. The one thing this time off has done is made me realize how much I miss rac- ing, so it's going to be a great day for me when I get to see that gate drop again." The team says that Stewart will return to defending his title at the Red Bull Straight Rhythm event later this year, and plans to compete in the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas in October. The FIM upheld its 16-month suspension on James Stewart, which means no racing for Stewart until August 11.