Can performance enhancing drugs be administered via sex?

Well, gran fondo rider Marco Larossa might try to use that as an explanation for a positive test result. The Italian anti-doping agency NADO Italia has suspended Larossa after he tested positive for Clostebol Metabolita at Gran Fondo Val di Comino on 12 May where he came in 3rd.

In June, the 25 year-old Larosssa also won Fondo del Vulture and then the Italian Gran Fondo Championship at Giro delle Miniere. He has not commented on the positive test result, but his Cesaro Falasca Greco team posted a statement on Facebook (translated):

“Without prejudice to the fact that the team cannot in any way tolerate episodes contrary to the anti-doping legislation, at present it can only await the outcome of the counter-analysis and believe in the good faith of its athlete.”

Now comes the sex, as it may be the best defense Larossa can mount.

Clostebol is a synthetic androgenic steroid derived from testosterone with anabolic effects that is frequently used in sports to increase physical performance. Doctors normally prescribe it for ophthalmological, dermatological and gynecological uses.

One male athlete whose urine tested positive for traces of clostebol metabolites claimed that he was contaminated as a result of sexual intercourse with a woman taking medication containing clostebol.

A study was then conducted that confirmed the possibility of incidental contamination from sexual intercourse, but because the World Anti Doing Agency does not make a distinction among circumstances or means of how banned drugs enter the body, the athlete’s ban was upheld.

So, it is a long shot Marco’s suspension would be reversed, even if he uses the “I got it from sex” explanation, but it would make the NADO Italia hearing more exciting.

Good luck Marco, maybe you’ll get lucky (again).

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