Shari Bossuyt on Letrozole positive: "Everything indicates that we are dealing with a contamination"

Following her positive result for Letrozole earlier this season, Shari Bossuyt's career has suddenly been turned upside down. The road and track specialist has given a press conference this morning where she has defended her innocence in the case.

“At the moment the procedure is still ongoing and I have to explain to the AFLD how the product ended up in my body. Something that turns out to be extremely difficult today since I have never come into contact with Letrozole and have never consciously used it," the Belgian told a group of reporters this morning.

Bossuyt tested positive for Letrozole, a substance which inhibits the production of estrogen and increases testosterone. It is the same substance which Toon Aerts tested positive for in early 2022, and continues to battle on until today. The Canyon//SRAM's response and posture is very much the same. “In fact, this was the first time I had heard of Letrozole. Fortunately, I am currently well supported. I hope we can clarify soon."

"But above all: that we can prove that we are not cheaters. In consultation with the team, I have decided not to race in the coming weeks. Mainly because my head isn't in it. Everything indicates that we are dealing with a contamination," she states. "That is why I would like to appeal to all authorities that we may be dealing with an underlying problem. I will continue to train so that I can compete again soon.”

Her agent Yannick Prévost was also present at the conference and gave his opinion, in which he compares her situation to that of Aerts. “Due to Toon's case, we have started to look into the matter and we now know that letrozole metabolite is used in cattle breeding to regulate ovulation in cows. That is legal and is not checked by the food inspection, because it does not pose any health risks, but it can cause contamination in milk or meat," he claimed.

“Shari is not a doping user. She is 22 years old and has been known to the federation for years. She was picked up by the talent detection program of the union, she has been closely monitored for years, she follows a very beautiful and natural evolution as a rider. She also wants to play the game fairly herself. We have no doubts about her: there was something in her body, but this is not intentional doping use.”