Australian Robert Stannard, 25, rejoined the WorldTour “with quick impact” on Tuesday, signing with the Bahrain Victorious squad.
The group introduced with the signing that Stannard would make his debut on the upcoming Tour of Britain, September 3-8.
Stannard final competed with Alpecin-Deceuninck (2022-2023), having began his profession with Mitchelton-Scott in 2018. He gained the Tour de Wallonie in 2022 however his racing profession got here to a halt in August final 12 months when the UCI provisionally suspended him for “use of prohibited Strategies and/or prohibited substances”.
The case concluded in June with Stannard accepting a four-year back-dated suspension for “unexplained” irregular values on his Athlete Organic Passport (ABP) in 2018 and 2019, in accordance with the UCI.
“It is superior to have the ability to experience my bike once more, to have the ability to proceed my biking profession,” Stannard stated within the Bahrain Victorious press launch.
“I needed to make a tough selection: settle for the ruling and have the ability to do the game I like once more, or struggle to clear my identify. I consider I’ve made the wisest selection. I hope to have the ability to do each in the long term, however for now, I’m seizing with each arms the chance to race once more!
“I really feel like I’ve obtained my life again, in a method. I can not wait to return to racing, and I am so grateful to have been given this chance by Bahrain.”
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Stannard continues to disclaim wrongdoing, saying he had by no means deliberately used prohibited substances.
“Athletes with ABP violations haven’t returned constructive blood or urine exams for something,” Stannard acknowledged in at present’s press launch.
“They alleged that it might solely have been attributable to ‘unlawful means’, however all through all the course of, supplied no proof of any wrongdoing. No proof of doping is collected or required for them to succeed in this judgment.
“I hope the Tribunal ruling can be revealed sooner or later, after which individuals will have the ability to learn the small print and make up their very own minds. Nevertheless it’s actually modified my perspective on issues, on biking, and life as an entire.”
Vladimir Miholjevič, Bahrain Victorious’ efficiency supervisor, believes Stannard can thrive within the group.
“We’re completely happy to have Robert becoming a member of us. Robert went by way of a tough interval, with quite a lot of confusion, however we assist him, and thru our medical groups’ evaluation we couldn’t conclude any wrongdoing,” Miholjevič stated.
“He has been cleared to race within the skilled peloton once more, and is a gifted rider who we predict has nice potential.”
