Filipina cyclist Ariana Evangelista fails doping test in Asian Games

Philippine mountain bike rider Ariana Evangelista failed her doping test at the Hangzhou Asian Games, officials said Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The International Testing Agency said Evangelista had failed a drug test for the banned substance erythropoietin (EPO), which also enhances performance.

According to the ITA, two samples, including blood and urine, were collected during an out-of-competition anti-doping control performed on Sept. 24.

Evangelista competed in the women's cross-country Olympic mountain bike competition the next day, coming 13th.

It typically takes several days for a failed test to come through.

Aside from Evangelista, Uzbek cyclist Aleksey Fomovskiy and Saudi distance runner Mohammed Yousef Alasiri also failed their doping tests at the Games on the same day, making it three announced in 24 hours.

The 22-year-old Fomovskiy, who came fifth in the men's omnium points race on Sept. 28, failed a drug test for anabolic steroids, the ITA said.

The sample was collected on the day of the event, said the ITA, which handles some areas of doping control at the Games.

Afghan boxer Mohammad Khaibar Nooristani, on Sept. 28, became the first known case of doping at the Games.

All four have been provisionally suspended and have the right to request the analysis of their B-samples. (AFP)