USADA Suspends New Zealand's Olivia Ray for Two and a Half Years

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USADA Suspends New Zealand's Olivia Ray for Two and a Half Years

Olivia Rey, winner of this year's New Zealand road race, has been suspended by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for two and a half years for the use and possession of multiple banned substances.

"In December 2021, USADA received information from a whistleblower and initiated an investigation that resulted in evidence suggesting anti-doping rule violations by Rey, who was living and competing in the United States at the time," USADA said in a statement. [Faced with the evidence, Ray fully cooperated despite being pressured not to do so, and admitted that another athlete, Jackson "Huntley" Nash, provided him with a banned substance and committed the following anti-doping rule violations in 2021. However, he was de-registered early in the season; the New Zealand Road Championships in February was a windy race with a modified course in the remnants of the Cyclone Dovi.

According to USADA, the 30-month suspension would begin on March 10, 2022, which is the date her provisional suspension was imposed. Ray was granted a four-year reduction in her suspension because she admitted the violation and accepted the sanction, and her suspension was further reduced by six months because she provided substantial assistance in the court case against Nash, with whom she had previously had a relationship. Nash received a lifetime ban.

"In addition, Ray's athletic performance after May 17, 2021, when Nash contacted Ray with hGH and/or other prohibited substances, was disqualified, including forfeiture of medals, points and prizes," USADA stated. This period included winning the Grant Park Criterium (which at the time had the highest one-day prize money for a professional woman in North America at $21,000) and the New Zealand Championship Road Race.

"Cycling New Zealand fully supports USADA's action regarding the suspension handed down to New Zealand cyclist Olivia Ray. Pursuant to USADA's action, Cycling New Zealand will investigate Rey's race in New Zealand beginning May 17, 2021."

"While reiterating its tough stance that doping is not appropriate for the sport, Cycling New Zealand will continue to reach out to Ray to offer support during this difficult time for the athlete."

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