Canadian Arnaud Papillon suspended for EPO

Canadian cyclist Arnaud Papillon has admitted to taking the performance-enhancing drug EPO, and he’s been suspended for two years.

The former U23 Canadian road champion tested positive at the nationals, as well as in an out-of-competition test, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport announced Wednesday.

Papillon waived his right to a hearing and his two-year ban is effective Aug. 12, 2011.

“It is always disappointing when we find that an athlete has attempted to cheat,” said Paul Melia, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. “However, it is even more disconcerting when we find out that the substance being used is as dangerous and sophisticated as EPO.”

In a letter to the French cycling website veloptimum, Papillon admitted to doping and took full responsibility. “After many disappointments,” he wrote, “I had almost given up everything. I tried to redirect my life but my love for the sport was bigger. After multiple personal confrontations with ethics, I faltered. I will live with it and learn from the results for the rest of my life.”