American Masters world champion faces multi-year suspension for the use of steroids

The masters cycling world's reputation has taken another hit after the 40-44 age category time trial world champion Matthew Clark tested positive for doping. On the day of his victory, Clark submitted to a regular doping control. Nothing out of ordinary, had the test not returned with a positive result for unspecified anabolic androgenic steroids. UCI immediately issued a provisional suspension for the American athlete.

The 40-year-old Clark had previously become the United States national road champion in the same category earlier this summer.

As with any doping case, the provisional suspension is not final and may be challenged before the UCI Anti-Doping Tribunal or the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Like in any other case, Clark can request a B-sample testing. If the ruling stays, the American will be banned from competing for between 2-4 years, depending on the severity of his offense.

Although doping is mainly connected with high-performance athletes, not all amateur athletes perform without ill intentions in their mind. And unlike professionals who are being thoroughly tested every now and then, amateurs or master-category cyclists can go without being tested for years. Unless they decide to compete in high-profile events such as the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships...