Pro Cyclist Banned for Using Jintropin hGH and Eposino EPO

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The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) issued a lifetime ban to American professional cyclist Phillip Zajicek after he admitted using Jintropin-brand human growth hormone (hGH) and Eposino-brand erythropoeitin (EPO).  USADA has a “three strikes” policy that results in a lifetime ban. Zajicek was first banned in 2004 after testing positive for the use of a banned stimulant. The second violation of USADA’s anti-doping policy involved the hGH and EPO admission. Zajicek also admitted providing false testimony and encouraging other witnesses to provide false testimony at doping hearing; USADA considered this his third violation of the anti-doping policy and consequently banned him for life.

Zajicek released a statement to CyclingNews.com that showed he had no regrets in “an enjoyable and successful” cycling career.

“Today, I have accepted a lifetime ban from the sport of cycling. I have had an enjoyable and successful career which has taken me to all corners of the of the globe and I’m grateful for everything cycling has given me. It’s time to walk away from the sport and begin the next chapter of my life with the tremendous support of my wife, family and friends behind me.”

Cyclingnews.com reported that Zajicek was one of up to 187 amateur and professional athletes from a variety of sports who purchase Eposino EPO and Jintropin hGH in a doping ring involving cyclist Joe Papp. Papp helped “facilitate” the sale of Eposino and Jintropin; he also personally experimented with these products as well as other performance-enhancing drugs such as testosterone, anabolic steroids and amphetamines.

Last Autumn Joe Papp confirmed to Cyclingnews that USADA were investigating possible doping violations stemming from sales of EPO and HGH that he facilitated on behalf of the Shandong Kexing Bioproducts company.

Purchases of the illegal performance-enhancing drugs were made by up to 187 international athletes from a variety of sports, including cycling, from September 2006 to September 2007. American cyclist Jonathan Chodroff was the first and until today the only professional cyclist to face a sanction as a result, receiving a two-year suspension from USADA. Chodroff admitted to purchasing the products. Several masters riders have also been handed suspensions in relation to the case.

The transactions took place with Papp as an intermediary between his sportsman clients and the Chinese sellers of the Eposino-brand of EPO and Jintropin HGH.

Zajicek is only the second pro cyclist publicly linked to the doping ring. Most of the other 187 athletes, including not only cyclists but also swimmers, track athletes, triathletes and mixed-martial artists, have not yet been identified.

Joe Papp pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute HGH (Jintropin) and EPO (Eposino) that involved approximately $80,000 in sales between September 2006 and September 2007. Papp is scheduled to be sentenced in July. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

Photo credit: fsteele770