Rally driver Paul Bird handed hefty eight-year ban by Ukad after refusing drugs test
Bird is the only athlete within motorsport to have ever been sanctioned by Ukad, and one of only a handful to have received a suspension as long as eight years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK Anti-Doping Agency (Ukad) has handed out its longest suspension from sport for nearly three years after the rally driver Paul Bird refused to give a sample to anti-doping controllers in what was the second violation of his career.
Bird served a two-year ban from July 2015 after testing positive for cocaine, and has now received an eight-year suspension from all sport after he refused to be tested at the Rallynuts Stages Rally in Brecknockshire, mid-Wales, last April.
The ban is backdated to the day he was notified, 11 July 2018, and will run until 2026.
Bird is the only athlete within motorsport to have ever been sanctioned by Ukad, and one of only a handful to have received a suspension as long as eight years.
Ukad’s chief executive, Nicole Sapstead, said it was important for the organisation to take strong action against those who ignored its protocols.
“It is clear in the Anti-Doping Rules that refusing to provide a sample will be treated as seriously as a failed test,” Sapstead said. ”Mr Bird was aware of this, having been warned of the consequences by Doping Control Personnel at the time.
“Ukad will always aim to secure the strongest possible sanctions for those who do not adhere to anti-doping procedures; treating the concept of clean sport with complete contempt.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments