Emanuel Nösig (pictured far right) was tested on 14 September 2014 as part of the Austrian National Championships (Mountain - Amateurs) in Thalgau/Gaisberg. "The analysis of this sample revealed the presence of prohibited substances, namely furosemide and 5aAdiol and/or 5bAdiol," NADA reported in a press release.
Anti-doping proceedings are opened against Nösig for the banned substance 5aAdiol and/or 5bAdiol (S1.1b anabolic-androgenic steroid - testosterone) and he is suspended from the ÖRV with effect from 1 February 2015 (we reported). Nösig can no longer take part in amateur races for the time being.
He is also no longer eligible to compete in most amateur races - but here the situation is not so clear: "With regard to a suspension, it should be noted that this applies to all races that take place under the regulations of a national or international federation. The suspension is therefore also effective for everyman races, provided that these races are under the patronage of a cycling federation. This also applies, for example, to mountain bike marathons," said Gerhard Propst, Chairman of the Austrian Anti-Doping Legal Commission.
It is interesting to take a look at the performance development of the rider who tested positive over the past seven years. Second place in the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon is one of Nösig's greatest successes. As the route of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon does not change, a comparison is possible despite different weather conditions:
Ötztaler Radmarathon Nösig2008Zeit8:50:082009Zeit8:00:112010Zeit7:45:182011Zeit7:48:572012Zeit7:33:182013Zeit7:18:522014Zeit7:07:31
The doping case has triggered a broad discussion on the Internet. The Facebook page of TOURwhere the news was first published, recorded over 50,000 hits in less than 24 hours. More than 100 comments show that many cyclists are concerned about the news.
ÖRV Secretary General Rudolf Massak was shocked that doping is an issue in amateur sport. Due to various indications, the federation had decided to step up controls. Two Masters riders and Emanuel Nösig were suspended for doping offences. "It's bitter - I can't understand it. It's misguided ambition," Massak told TOUR.
Emanuel Nösig has not yet responded to another TOUR enquiry.
