Canadian cyclist Genevieve Jeanson banned for life

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2006

MONTREAL (AFP) — Canadian cyclist Genevieve Jeanson has reportedly been banned for life by USA Cycling after testing positive for blood-booster EPO.

Jeanson failed the test last July at the prologue of a stage race in Pennsylvania which she won.

The severity of the punishment reported by Quebec daily La Presse, was because of a prior misdemeanour in 2004 when she failed to appear for a dope test at the request of the International Cycling Union at the end of the Fleche-Wallonne race in Belgium.

Jeanson however denied she had ever taken doping products. She said she would fight to clear her name but that she was retiring from the sport.

"It's over," she said. "I don't want anything to do with cycling. I'm tired of fighting and repeating that I have...