Search
shop

Elite doping positive from ITU World Triathlon Bermuda

News form the International Triathlon Union of an Elite athlete doping positive and sanction from the ITU World Triathlon Bermuda. Mexico's David Mendoza is suspended for three years, six months.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Advertisement

Three years and six month ban for Mexico’s David Mendoza

After lasts weeks news (HERE) of an Age-Group doping positive from the 2017 IRONMAN World Championship, more news today from the International Triathlon Union of an Elite sanction from an in-competition test at the recent ITU World Triathlon Bermuda.

David Mendoza – also from Mexico – “reported an adverse analytical finding for GW501516 and its metabolites. GW501516 is classified as a Hormone and Metabolic Modulator under section S.4.5.1 of the WADA Prohibited List. It is a non-specified substance, the use of which is prohibited at all times.”

(Click HERE for more about GW501516 – also known as Endurabol – which is quite scary reading, given that testing showed the drug to cause cancer rapidly in several organs. Indeed, even the World Anti-Doping Authority went as far in 2013 of issuing a warning to potential users of its health risks.)

Interestingly – but slightly confusingly – the athlete:

  • waives the analysis of his B sample
  • admits the anti doping rule violation, but
  • ‘speculates that it was from a vitamin B complex he ingested the night prior to his test upon falling ill and pleads his innocence’

Mendoza finished 34th (of 40 finishers) in Bermuda, though his result has now been disqualified.

The standard period of suspension in these cases under the WADA code is four years. We would assume at this stage that the “ITU’s proposed 6-month reduction” which was agreed by WADA, was due to “promptly admits the anti-doping rule violation” – despite the comments of innocence above.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ITU ANNOUNCEMENT

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...