Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/976068
IN THE WIND P44 TICKLE RESPONDS B roc Tickle, of the Red Bull KTM Team, issued a state- ment last week regarding his sus- pension from racing for testing positive for a banned substance. Tickle was randomly tested following the San Diego Super- cross in January and was notified two weeks ago by the FIM that methylhexamine was found in his system (a banned chemical on WADA's list) causing his suspen- sion by the FIM. Tickle has been silent about the suspension until now. Tickle's statement: As has been widely reported, on April 12, 2018 I was noti- fied by the FIM of an alleged Adverse Analytical Finding for 5-Methylhexan-2-Amine, stem- ming from a random urine test on February 10, 2018, directly after the San Diego Supercross Event. The notification from the FIM was a complete surprise to me because I have never, inten- tionally or negligently, ingested any prohibited substance, and specifically, the alleged sub- stance I allegedly had in my system on February 10, 2018. I have never cheated, doped, or tried to better myself by taking the short way; nor, has anyone around me offered or provided to me any substance that is pro- hibited by the FIM Anti-Doping Code. I have worked too hard throughout my career to put my career at stake by taking any prohibited substance. I am devastated about this allegation, and really frustrated with the process. The FIM has been less than professional with me regarding timeliness of communication, dis- closure of information related to my Sample A test, and request to Test Sam- ple B. After much delay, the FIM finally has informed me that the soonest that my Sample B will be tested is May 16, 2018*, the receipt of results and support- ing lab documentation undis- closed. In addition, the soonest I will receive the lab documen- tation associated with Sample A is 10-15 working days from April 15th, 2018. At this point, I have filed a Request to Lift the Discretion- ary Provisional Suspension imposed, but have little faith in this process as it is based solely on written documenta- tion. The soonest that I will have a full blown hearing regarding this allegation will be months from now. I have discovered that the FIM is an organization that possesses ultimate power—to suspend a professional athlete with the stroke of a pen, without any process, opportunity to defend, and no supporting evidence. Consequently, the FIM elimi- nates the athlete's source of income, and consequently their financial wherewithal to defend themselves with what little information is provided, all while refusing to timely commu- nicate, and disclose evidence. To say that the process is unfair is an understatement. Despite this disproportional- ity, I will do everything possible to fight this allegation, clear my name, and continue with my career. Should anyone have any information that may be rele- vant to my case, please contact my attorney, Brian D. Harrison at harrison@harrisonlegal.net. Thank you. *Interestingly, shortly after filing of my Request to Lift the Provisional Suspension, the FIM advised me that they contacted the Laboratory to change the date for Sample B testing to May 9, 2018; however, no information was conveyed as to date of receipt of such test, or the lab documentation associ- ated therewith. CN Broc Tickle says he's devastated by the FIM's doping allegations.