Michael Weiss Will Not Appeal Doping Ban

Xterra world champion Michael Weiss said in a statement on his website, Wiki-miki.com, that he will not appeal the decision of an independent arbitration committee of Austria’s anti-doping agency (NADA) to suspend him for two years. The committee found Weiss guilty of having his blood taken for enrichment at a blood lab in Vienna six years ago when he was competing as a professional mountain biker.

Weiss maintains that he is innocent of the charges, but will not appeal because of the time and expense and has instead “chosen to dedicate my time and resources to my family and training.”

See the complete statement from Weiss below:

“I was disheartened to learn that despite NADA Austria closing my case in September 2010, followed by the Vienna State attorney also ruling in my favor, the Independent Arbitration Commission of NADA still chose to issue a two year suspension effective immediately. The decision contradicts NADA’s Legal Commission and the judgment of Vienna’s state prosecutor and is founded solely on one individual’s verbal accusation with no factual evidence which dates back to 2005.

“I maintain my innocence and have been given the opportunity to appeal the suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). After consideration of the time and expense to pursue an appeal, I have chosen to dedicate my time and resources to my family and training and will focus on my future comeback to triathlon, a sport I have grown to love and respect.

“I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, and supporters who stand with me and encourage me through hard days.”