Norwegian 2023 World Championship competitor returns positive doping test: “I don't know what to do or where to turn”
Cycling
Norwegian cyclist Iver Knotten, 25, has
returned a positive doping test, casting uncertainty over his future in the
sport. Knotten, who rides for the Global 6 United, tested
positive for the banned substance Ibutamoren, which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The test, conducted
during the Norwegian National Track Cycling Championships in December 2023,
only returned a positive result after being retested in a random check.
Knotten, who achieved a strong second-place
finish in the 2023 Norwegian National Time Trial Championships, has not raced
competitively since January 2024. This absence has now been explained by the
positive doping result. Speaking to TV 2, Knotten explained, “The test
that was taken in December gave no results. But when it was later tested again
in a random check, it was positive.”
Ibutamoren, the substance Knotten tested
positive for, is known to stimulate growth hormone release, leading to
increased muscle mass and recovery time. It is classified as a prohibited
substance under WADA’s regulations due to its potential performance-enhancing
effects, placing it in the category of anabolic agents. Athletes found guilty
of using Ibutamoren could face bans of up to four years from professional
competition.
Knotten has attributed the positive test to his
use of dietary supplements. He maintains his innocence and believes that the
charges against him will eventually be cleared. "If I were to describe the
last few months, it would be that I have been completely empty. I am constantly
numb. I don't know what to do or where to turn," Knotten said, reflecting
on the emotional toll the situation has taken on him.
The cyclist also addressed the prolonged delay
in the news coming to light, noting the difficulty of the past months. He has
been left in limbo, awaiting the final decision on whether he will face a ban,
which could severely impact his promising career.
If found guilty of doping, Knotten could face a
suspension of up to four years, potentially derailing the career of a rider
once seen as a rising talent in Norwegian cycling. As the situation unfolds,
the cycling world will await the outcome of his defence, which will determine
whether Knotten can clear his name or face significant time away from the
sport.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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