Clear Lake cyclist Zirbel fails drug test

Mon January 04 2010
Posted Jan 3, 2010
11,195

Clear Lake native Tom Zirbel announced he tested positive in an anti-doping test conducted by the United States Anti Doping Association (USADA) after the US Pro time trial championships on Aug. 29, 2009. In a statement he released on cyclingnews.com, Zirbel said he is innocent. “I want to inform the cycling community that an ‘A’ sample of mine from a urine test conducted by USADA on Aug. 29, 2009, after the US Pro TT has tested positive for exogenous DHEA,” Zirbel said in a statement released Dec. 28. “I have not yet received notification from USADA on the findings of the ‘B’ sample, but I expect to receive word any day now.” Zirbel, 30, was a rider for Bissell Pro Cycling team between 2007-09. If his ‘B’ sample would also come back positive, Zirbel would face a two-year racing ban. Zirbel finished second in the U.S. Pro Time Trial Championships in 2008 and 2009. “The US Pro TT was a major objective of mine this season, but I would never compromise my integrity for any bike race,” Zirbel said. “At this point, I don’t know how this happened, but regardless of the outcome of my ‘B’ sample I intend to find out with the help of a few accomplished scientists and doctors who have selflessly helped me since I first was notified of the ‘A’ findings.” “With that in mind, I refuse to speculate about how this happened until we have solid scientific evidence,” he said. “I hate that this situation could and will probably bring more negative attention to our sport, but I am confident that we will find answers and I will be cleared of any wrongdoing. “In the meantime, I ask for your understanding and respect while I fight for my career and reputation during this personal matter.”