Sport Integrity Australia, in partnership the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), announced Australian-born elite cyclist Jesse Ewart (TERENGGANU CYCLING TEAM) has been banned after testing positive for Erythropoietin (EPO) when he won the first stage of the UAE Tour of Sharjah.

After submitting a post-race anti-doping sample on 26 January 2024 and before being provisionally suspended on 15 May, Ewart continued racing, winning Stage 4 of the Tour of Thailand and helping teammate Merhawi Kudus to a second place overall result at the Tour de Kumano in Japan.

The 30 year-old Ewart, who recently switched his nationality from Australian to Irish, has not commented on the anti-doping violation, nor has his Malaysian based Terengganu Cycling Team.

Ewart is banned from participating in sport in any capacity until 15 May 2027, must give up all results and prizes from 26 January through 15 May 2024, and is required to pay a monetary fine of 7000 CHF.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as it increases red blood cell production, thereby increasing oxygen delivery to muscles.

Photo Credit: Sport Integrity Australia

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