Toon Aerts Tests Positive for Banned Substance in Out-of-Competition Test
The Belgian received notice of a positive result for Letrozole in a test taken January 19
The talk of the cyclocross world on Tuesday was the news that Baloise-Trek rider Toon Aerts tested positive for a banned substance during an out-of-competition test taken on January 19 when he was at his home.
Aerts tested positive for the drug Letrozole, which is used to treat breast cancer patients because it inhibits the production of estrogen. According to a fact sheet from USADA, the drug is used to prevent the formation of estrogen, which is a byproduct of anabolic agents, or to prevent the breakdown of testosterone in men.
Aerts was notified of the positive test on Monday, and his team made the decision to end his season while awaiting the result of the test of his B sample.
Aerts’ Baloise-Trek team issued a statement via their social media channels. In the statement, Aerts said the following (translated), “I am currently in the dark as to how this could have happened. The product Letrozole Metabolite was found in my urine sample. A product I had never heard of until yesterday and I don't know how it got into my body.”
“Anyone who knows me a little knows that I have been against any form of doping all my career and have always done everything I can to set an example as an athlete. I will therefore do everything I can to prove my innocence and clear my name.”