National anti-doping agency Sport Integrity Australia has sanctioned amateur cyclist Jackson Sharples with a 3 year ban after finding him guilty of multiple doping violations. In-competition tests at the 2022 Australian National Masters Criterium Championship, where Sharples finished 3rd, and subsequent investigations determined he used or possessed 5 banned Testosterone related substances: Exogenous Testosterone, Anastrozole, Androsterone, DHEA and 5βAdiol.

35 year-old Sharples, a competitive racer since 2018 with four Mornington Cycling Club championship titles, said the doping violations were the just result of “a simple mistake,” according to the Mornington-Peninsula Leader newspaper.

Testosterone doping in elite or amateur athletes can significantly aid in the development of muscle strength and mass to improve performance, while also facilitating faster post-exercise recovery. 

Anastrozole is a hormone prescribed to treat early breast cancer, though it has reportedly been used by male bodybuilders and athletes to reduce breast enlargement associated with taking anabolic steroids – including Testosterone.

Androsterone is commonly claimed as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids that boost Testosterone levels. There is no scientific evidence to support its use, and in studies it was unlikely to provide any anabolic benefit and may even result in adverse health consequences, including sperm count reduction, impotence, breast enlargement, liver damage and prostate cancer.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a dietary hormone supplement that claims to break down into Testosterone to help build muscle. Randomized DHEA medical trials, including healthy male athletes, provided no evidence for enhanced physical performance.

5βAdiol is a non-specified anabolic steroid metabolite of Testosterone and is prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Ipamorelin is a potent synthetic peptide typically sold for “research use only,” but is marketed for its alleged ability to increase body-mass by releasing human growth hormone, while also increasing Testosterone. It has not been approved for use in Australia and the United States, with the U.S. Food and Drug regulatory Administration (FDA) stating, “we lack sufficient information to know whether the drug would cause harm if administered to humans.”

Sharples is banned from participating in any WADA governed sport in any capacity until 31 December 2024.

Photo Credit: Tim Bowman

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