In contrast to De Clercq, cyclo-crosser Ben Berden has no argument with the 15 month suspension given to him by the disciplinary commission of the Belgian cycling federation today. Berden tested positive for EPO at a race in Essen last December, but admitted that he used the drug. His suspension will run from January 12, 2005 to April 12, 2006.
Berden received a lighter than normal (up to four years) sanction because the federation considered that he had a "clean record and a good character." "It's a punishment I deserve," said Berden to Sporza radio. "But twelve months would have been nicer, then I could have done a bit of 'cross in 2006."
