BREAKING NEWS: Local cyclist banned for doping

Mountain biker Max Knox has been suspended from the cycling scene.

October 15, 2018

Carli Koch Less than a minute

Max Knox (left) has been banned for four years. He finished in second place. Here are Gawie Combrinck (winner) and Franco Pelser (third). Photos: Hennie Homann/ www.hhphotoxpress.co.za

According to a press release released by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) earlier today, the 2017 South African marathon champion and Sabie resident was charged for suspicious variations in his Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) that indicated doping.

He could not satisfactorily explain to a panel of international experts appointed by SAIDS the reasons for the variation.

During the Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge in March, Knox finished in second place with a time of 2:29,40.

Gawie Combrinck took the spoils with a time of 2:29,39.

More information to follow in Friday’s edition of Lowvelder.