Collin Chartier werd eerder deze week betrapt op het gebruik van EPO (tijdens een out of competition test) en voor drie jaar geschorst. Grote vraag bij veel mensen was meteen: moet hij zijn prijzengeld – 100.000 dollar – van zijn PTO US Open overwinning terugbetalen? Chartier gaf aan dat hij toen clean was en dat blijkt ook uit twee dopingtesten die rond de wedstrijd werden afgenomen. De PTO heeft inmiddels een statement naar buiten gebracht waaruit blijkt dat het prijzengeld gewoon bij Chartier blijft, maar wel wordt de Amerikaanse atleet geschorst als PTO-lid. Het statement is hieronder integraal overgenomen:

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Following the International Testing Agency (ITA) decision in respect of Collin Chartier regarding an Anti-Doping Rule Violation on 24 April 2023, the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has initiated its own investigation into his activities and compliance with the various PTO rules and regulations. Whilst this happens, Chartier has been immediately suspended from the PTO membership pending the outcome of the investigation.

We can confirm that Collin was tested in the week before the PTO US Open on Sunday 19 September, 2022, using a Dry Blood Spot (DBS) – as is usual at all PTO Tour races – and then did a urine test after the race. Both samples were analysed for prohibited substances, including EPO, and were found to be negative.

As we commented earlier this week, we were deeply disappointed to hear the news and strongly reiterate that protecting the integrity of our great sport is absolutely paramount to the purpose of the PTO and our members – as we have seen from many of their videos and social posts over the last few days. It was why the PTO Athlete Board made the decision for all athletes to be tested at each of our PTO races going back to the PTO 2020 Championship.

PTO Anti-Doping Programme 

Since late 2020, the PTO has worked closely with respected, independent Anti-Doping consultant Michele Verroken and her company, Sporting Integrity, to set up, deliver and then oversee the PTO’s Anti-Doping Programme.

All athletes who competed in the 2022 PTO Tour races* were tested prior to the event. In addition to this, at least 10 men and 10 women were selected to provide urine samples post race which are then tested in accordance with the WADA Prohibited Substances List, including additional sports-specific analysis for ESAs and/or growth hormones. For races on the 2023 PTO Tour this will be the same again, including in Ibiza at next week’s PTO European Open.

To ensure collaboration and transparency with its Anti-Doping programme, the PTO works closely with World Triathlon and its relationship with relevant bodies such as the ITA and WADA.

Implications of Collin Chartier Suspension

As a result of Chartier’s immediate suspension from the PTO, his name will be removed from the current PTO World Rankings and the ongoing investigation will seek to establish what other sanctions may be required.

* Excluding DBS at the 2022 PTO Canadian Open in Edmonton due to country restrictions