PAUL BIRD IN TWO-YEAR MOTORSPORT BAN

BTRDA driver tested positive for banned substances

BTRDA rally winner Paul Bird has been banned from all Msa-sanctioned competition after testing positive for cocaine and diuretics after the Nicky Grist Stages in July.

Bird – who won the NG Stages – was tested after the event, and on Christmas Eve UK Anti Doping (UKAD) confirmed traces of benzoylecgonine (a metabolite of cocaine) and furosemide (diuretic) were found in the samples taken after the Builth Wells event. UKAD notified Bird of the Notice of Charge on July 31.

UKAD’S Director of Legal, Graham Arthur said: “Every athlete must adhere to the principal of strict liability; they are solely responsible for what is in their system regardless of how it got there.

“This principal can be challenging for athletes but they must ensure they take the appropriate steps to manage the risk at all times.”

A spokesperson from the MSA added: “The Motor Sports Association acknowledges the findings of UK Anti-doping regarding an Anti-doping Rule Violation by Paul Bird. The MSA thanks UKAD for its assistance in this matter. As the governing body, the MSA operates an anti-doping testing and education programme to help ensure that four-wheel UK motor sports are fair, equal and safe. It is each competitor’s own responsibility to ensure that no substance on the World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List (including those contained in some over-thecounter medicines) enters their body, willingly or otherwise.

“By signing the declaration for an MSA Competition Licence, competitors agree to abide by anti-doping protocols. This declaration references the anti-doping regulations in the MSA Yearbook, which is sent to all competitors with their Competition Licence. The MSA also has an anti-doping app available, and has publicised various anti-doping activities via the MSA annual report, magazine and newsletter over recent years.”

Bird didn’t compete in any BTRDA events after the Nicky Grist Stages. He had been second in the championship at that point. He missed out on the championship to Steve Perez in 2014 also.

MN understands that unless the MSA refers the matter to the national court, Bird will not lose the NG Stages victory as results are declared final.