UCI statement on USADA’s decision concerning Katerina Nash

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) takes note of the decision rendered by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regarding the Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for Capromorelin* from Katerina Nash and for which USADA determined that she bears no fault or negligence. As a result, no sanction has been imposed by USADA.

The case arises as a result of an AAF for the presence of Capromorelin in a sample collected from Katerina Nash by USADA on 24 October 2022.

As the sample collection was initiated and directed by USADA, the case fell under its exclusive jurisdiction in accordance with the UCI Anti-Doping Rules and the World Anti-Doping Code (Code).

The UCI notes that after a thorough review of the case, USADA was able to conclude that the AAF was a result of contamination from exposure to a pet medication containing Capromorelin. More specifically, the prohibited substance entered Katerina Nash’s body when the liquid pet medication came into inadvertent skin contact on her hands while she was administering the medication to her dog, nearing the end of its life, in the days preceding the sample collection.

USADA also acknowledged that Katerina Nash had not acted negligently and was not at fault. Consequently, USADA did not impose any period of ineligibility on Katerina Nash.

The USADA’s press release is available here.

The UCI will not comment further on the matter.

*Capromorelin is a ghrelin receptor agonist, which is a not specifically listed Prohibited Substance but considered as belonging to the S2 class (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics) of the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.