Dutch cyclocross racer Denise Betsema informed of adverse analytical finding for anabolic steroids

Denise Betsema, one of the best Dutch cyclocross racers, returned an adverse analytical finding for endogenous anabolic androgenic steroid in a sample collected at the Hoogerheide World Cup race January 27 where she placed seventh, the UCI reported on Friday.

Along with compatriot Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado, Betsema was the revelation of the 2018-2019 ‘cross season. Among her 14 victories was the Koksijde round of the World Cup; she was fifth overall in the World Cup. She is the UCI’s third ranked elite women racer, having also won the EKZ CrossTour series and earned third in the Superprestige series last season. In February’s World Championships, she was fourth.

Betsema, who races for trade team Marlux-Bingoal, requested a B sample and expressed her innocence to Dutch sports media outlet NOS.

Denise Betsema tells NOS in a first reaction that she's shocked by her positive test on anabolic steroids. "I am disappointed because I am absolutely innocent. I'm going to challenge this and will request a counter-expertise." #DeniseBetsema https://t.co/4TfxbNVXAv

— Cyclocross24.com (@cyclocross24) April 5, 2019