A leading competitor at the 2017 Tour of Northland has been caught doping by the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand.
Karl Murray committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) after testing positive for clenbuterol, an anabolic agent. The finding came as a result of testing at the Tour of Northland on March 18, 2017 after which Mr Murray was selected for doping control.
Through his membership of Cycling New Zealand, Mr Murray is bound by the Sports Anti-Doping Rules, which reflect the World Anti-Doping Code. Analysis of Mr Murray's 'B' (or second) sample confirmed the finding of the 'A' sample. It is not Mr Murray's first ADRV and he now faces a significant ban from all sport.
Mr Murray committed a first ADRV in New Caledonia back in 2014, following a positive test for nandrolone and testosterone. This led to a ban from all sport, recognised in New Zealand in 2015.
The Tribunal adjourned imposing a sanction for this ADRV. Mr Murray remains subject to a provisional ban and is prohibited from partaking in sports or coaching athletes bound to the WADA Code.