Danish National Champion Peter Riis Andersen tested positive for the banned substance EPO in a anti-doping control conducted on June 25. Riis Anderson, 28, was fired from his team after both his "A" and "B" samples came back positive. He will not be allowed to represent his country at the Olympics next month.
"I am sorry for what I have done," Andersen said in a news conference according to the Associated Press. "Until Tuesday last week, I had the idea that I had done nothing wrong. I (then) realized how gross a violation it was. I got it through criminal channels because this cannot be provided legally without a receipt. I joined the club of sinners." After poor results early in the year, Riis Andersen said he was afraid of not making the Olympic team when explaining his motives for doping.
"I can not explain," said Team Manager Robert Dorn in a statement by the team. "We have never put pressure on the racer and his contract for next year was safe. He had no need to dope. Common sense does not explain his actions. What hurts even more is the personal disappointment."
"We want to make way for a clean sport going forward, even if this situation is very difficult," said Dorn after firing Anderson.
Sponsor ALB-Gold issued a statement expressing its shock at the news, but continued support for the rest of the team. "Performance enhancement through illicit means does not agree with our company philosophy. But we are aware of our responsibilities to the rest of the team," said company chief Klaus Freidler. "We will continue our contract until the end of the year. We still believe in the team and the honest work of team manager Dorn." The sponsor will not renew the team's contract after the end of the season.
