The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) announced on Thursday that cyclist Amy Wakefield has been banned after failing an In-Competition drug test for the prohibited stimulant Phentermine at the 2023 South African National XCO Championships.

The 36 year-old 2023 Cape Epic multi-stage winner is banned from participating in sport in any capacity from 26 May 2023 until 25 May 2027, the maximum sentence of 4 years. Although Wakefield disputed and challenged the SAIDS Independent Doping Hearing Panel’s decision with an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, she failed to prevail.

Phentermine use In-Competition is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. As a central-nervous system stimulant and weight-loss drug it accelerates heart rate and reportedly provides more energy, endurance and stamina for athletes.

Photo Credit: Cape Epic

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