Robert Stannard indicators with Bahrain Victorious after accepting doping sanction

Australian Robert Stannard, 25, rejoined the WorldTour “with instant impact” on Tuesday, signing with the Bahrain Victorious squad.

The staff introduced with the signing that Stannard would make his debut on the upcoming Tour of Britain, September 3-8.

Stannard final competed with Alpecin-Deceuninck (2022-2023), having began his profession with Mitchelton-Scott in 2018. He received the Tour de Wallonie in 2022 however his racing profession got here to a halt in August final 12 months when the UCI provisionally suspended him for “use of prohibited Methods and/or prohibited substances”.

The case concluded in June with Stannard accepting a four-year back-dated suspension for “unexplained” irregular values on his Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) in 2018 and 2019, based on the UCI.

“It’s superior to have the ability to trip my bike once more, to have the ability to proceed my biking profession,” Stannard stated within the Bahrain Victorious press launch.

“I needed to make a tough selection: settle for the ruling and be capable to do the game I really like once more, or combat to clear my title. I imagine I’ve made the wisest selection. I hope to have the ability to do each in the long term, however for now, I’m seizing with each fingers the chance to race once more!

“I really feel like I’ve received my life again, in a manner. I can not wait to return to racing, and I’m so grateful to have been given this chance by Bahrain.”

Stannard continues to disclaim wrongdoing, saying he had by no means deliberately used prohibited substances.

“Athletes with ABP violations haven’t returned optimistic blood or urine exams for something,” Stannard said in at present’s press launch.

“They alleged that it might solely have been attributable to ‘unlawful means’, however all through all the course of, supplied no proof of any wrongdoing.  No proof of doping is collected or required for them to succeed in this judgment.

“I hope the Tribunal ruling might be printed sooner or later, after which folks will be capable to learn the main points and make up their very own minds. But it is definitely modified my perspective on issues, on biking, and life as an entire.”

Vladimir Miholjevič, Bahrain Victorious’ efficiency supervisor, believes Stannard can thrive within the staff.

“We are pleased to have Robert becoming a member of us. Robert went via a tough interval, with loads of confusion, however we help him, and thru our medical groups’ evaluation we couldn’t conclude any wrongdoing,” Miholjevič stated. 

“He has been cleared to race within the skilled peloton once more, and is a proficient rider who we predict has nice potential.”