The International Canoe Federation’s (ICF) Doping Control Panel has underlined the federations robust zero-tolerance stance towards cheats by handing a four-year suspension to Moldova’s Serghei Tarnovschi following adverse results from an out-of-competition test taken in July 2016.

The 19-year-old C1M 1000m Olympic bronze medallist was handed a provisional suspension on the 19th August, with a hearing in front of the ICF Doping Control Panel conducted on the 24th November 2016 under the ICF Anti-Doping Rules.

With the athlete and representatives from Moldova’s Canoe Federation present, the hearing concluded that Mr Serghei Tarnovschi was guilty of violating the ICF Anti-Doping Rules (article 2.1).

The panel stated that due to the nature of the substance the athlete could have benefited from the use of the drug in his sporting endeavours.

In accordance with the ICF Anti Doping Rule 10.8, Mr Serghei Tarnovschi has been disqualified from the date the positive sample was collected (8th July 2016). The rule also states that the athlete must forfeit any medals, points or prizes won since the date of the adverse findings.

In line with the ICF’s zero-tolerance stance towards doping, Mr Serghei Tarnovschi has been handed a lengthy four year ban from the sport.

Mr Serghei Tarnovschi has the right to appeal to the ICF Court of Arbitration within 21 days from the date of receipt of this decision (30th January 2017) as per Article 13 of the ICF Anti-Doping Rules.

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